Manchester United have begun serious moves to strengthen their squad with a high-profile signing, targeting Al-Hilal's Portuguese international midfielder Ruben Neves during the upcoming winter transfer window.
Initial moves and communication with agents
In a significant development, Fabrizio Romano, a reliable Italian journalist specializing in transfer news, revealed that Manchester United have opened direct communication channels with Ruben Neves' agents. This contact aims to gauge the player's interest and assess the possibility of a move back to the Premier League before entering into any formal negotiations with Al-Hilal.
Why is Manchester United trying to sign Neves?
The English club's desire to sign Neves stems from his extensive experience in English football, where he shone for years as captain of Wolverhampton Wanderers before his move to the Saudi league. Manchester United has been struggling with inconsistency in midfield, making Neves an ideal option thanks to his quick adaptability, leadership on the field, accurate long passes, and dangerous long-range shooting – qualities the team currently lacks.
The truth about Real Madrid's interest
On another note, and to put an end to the rumors linking the player to a move to the Spanish league, Romano confirmed that Real Madrid is "completely out of the picture" at the moment. He indicated that there have been no moves or interest from the Royal Club to sign the Portuguese star, which opens the door for Manchester United to be the most prominent and serious contender in the race.
Al-Hilal's financial terms and contract status
Regarding Al-Hilal's stance, previous press reports indicated that the club's management might not object to Ruben Neves' departure should a suitable offer arrive, especially given the talk of potentially selling the remainder of his contract. Sources suggest that Al-Hilal might demand a fee of at least €15 million to release the Portuguese maestro, an amount considered affordable for major English clubs.
Numbers and impact of Neves with Al-Hilal
Since joining the Saudi Professional League, Neves has proven to be a key player for Al-Hilal. This season, he has participated in 16 matches across various domestic and continental competitions, scoring five crucial goals and providing one assist. His pivotal role in linking the lines and controlling the tempo of the game makes his departure a significant loss for Al-Hilal and a tremendous asset for any team that secures his services.
