Ruben Neves is seeking a return to the Premier League in next month’s transfer window putting a number of clubs, including Manchester United and Newcastle United, on alert, as reported by The Times.
Al-Hilal are resigned to losing him as a free agent in the summer and are exploring the option of bringing that exit forward to January, to recoup some of the £47 million they paid Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2023. A figure of £18 million has been mentioned, but, in the circumstances, and with buying clubs holding such an advantage, a figure well below that may be sufficient to secure Neves.
As per the report, United, who are struggling with midfield issues, would be an obvious destination. Given his profile, Neves would be able to slot straight into the first team next month — a ‘plug and play’ transfer option, to use United’s own vernacular.
