Ruben Neves has managed to guard his elite sharpness on the field despite leaving behind Europe for a cash-laden stint in the Middle East with Al-Hilal, and the Portugal international now yearns a return to his home turf. Manchester United, managed by Ruben Amorim—also a Portuguese—are looking to rope him in in January as the Premier League remains his preferred destination, multiple reports suggest.
As things stand, if 28-year-old Neves is not coming in January, Manchester United believe he most certainly will in the summer. The board is "confident" that Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot's international teammate is arriving when his current deal with the Saudi powerhouse expires at the end of the onging campaign, the reports said.
The Neves signing is exciting also due to the fact that he boasts Premier League experience, having played for Wolves ahead of joining Al-Hilal in 2023, reportedly agreeing to a deal that earns him around £340,000 a week. With another FIFA World Cup fast approaching, it can be safely assumed that the midfielder wants to play at the most competitive level, hence the push for a return to Europe. Since he will be available as a free agent, Neves' arrival is not likely to derail the former Premier League champions' plans to get Brighton's Carlos Baleba, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, or Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
Manchester United’s rebuild plans
Manchester United have already started talks with the player's representatives, Football365 said, quoting TeamTalk, after Amorim personally reached out to his countryman. The report added that Neves doesn't mind a move in January if he finds a project that matches his demands, although most suitors may prefer to sign him as a free agent for obvious reasons. However, United’s confidence may push others, particularly Tottenham and Newcastle United, to make offers in the winter itself, Football365 said.
Neves can contribute to the team's defence while simultaneously dictating the tempo of the game. He could be a level up from Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro, who are both likely to leave Old Trafford soon. However, in light of the latest flare-up between Bruno Fernandes and the management, only time will tell if the fans will witness the two Portuguese aces working together in the middle of the park for the Red Devils.
