Ruben Neves to Man United update as advanced talks underway over deal
Ruben Neves could be about to settle his future amid significant transfer interest from Manchester United.
The midfielder has been away from the Premier League since he left Wolves to join Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal in 2023, but he has been heavily linked with a return to England in recent months.
Football Insider revealed last week that a £20million fee would be enough for United to sign Neves, whose contract in the Middle East is due to expire in the summer.
Michael Carrick’s side have emerged as the leading candidates to secure the Portuguese’s signature in recent weeks, and they have been pushing hard to try and make him their first new addition of the winter window.
Ruben Neves in talks over Al Hilal extension
Football Insider recently revealed that Neves is keen to join Manchester United before the upcoming 2 February deadline in the Premier League, with the Red Devils seemingly ready to advance their interest.
However, the story surrounding the 28-year-old’s future now appears set to a potentially take a major twist, as the possibility of him staying at Al Hilal is now on the table.
The Saudi giants have been reluctant to lose Neves, who has quickly become one of their star men since his move from Wolves, and they are now in advanced talks over a potential new contract for him, according to journalist Gianluigi Longari via his X account.
It is currently unclear how likely it will be for both parties to reach a favourable agreement, but for now at least, it is enough to cast doubt on the possibility of him moving to join the ranks at Old Trafford.
Man United move would create financial issues for Ruben Neves
Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider in December that a move to Manchester United would have huge implications for Neves financially.
The finance expert suggested that the ex-Porto man would need to “sacrifice a huge amount of money” in order to make the switch happen, given the tax situation between the two countries.
Neves would likely have to forfeit much of his earnings from his time in Saudi Arabia if he were to return to English football, although it is possible that this is of little concern to him at this stage of his career.
Carrick has reintegrated Kobbie Mainoo back into the fold after he had been on the fringes of the squad under Ruben Amorim, and his options are now looking more favourable at the base of their midfield.
However, while news of Neves’ fresh talks with his current club is a blow for the Red Devils, it certainly doesn’t rule them out from making a last-minute move.