Ruben Neves to ‘sacrifice huge amount of money’ to finalise Man United deal
Ruben Neves has been linked with a return to the Premier League following interest from Manchester United.
Ruben Amorim is keen to sign a new midfielder at Old Trafford, with the January transfer window set to open.
Neves has emerged as a potential option for Man United, but the 28-year-old’s situation in Saudi Arabia could present a stumbling block.
The Portugal international joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal from Wolves in the summer of 2023, with the deal worth around £47million.
Why Ruben Neves deal presents financial issues for Man United
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Neves would have to “sacrifice a huge amount of money” to join Man United in January.
It has been reported Tottenham are also interested in signing Neves in the mid-season window.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “I mean, on the face of it, it’s very expensive. But for the player to leave now and come to England would be sacrificing a huge amount of money from a tax perspective, I would think.
“It may well be that the player has decided that he doesn’t particularly care about the cash side of things, so he’s happy to fit in.
“I think in any event, if he was on very big money, United simply wouldn’t do it under this new regime of trying to put some restraint into their wage bill. They have to do that. They’ve got no Champions League.”
Man United have the fifth-highest wage bill in the Premier League after their total dropped from £365m in 2023-24 to £313m last season.
How much could Neves earn at Man United?
Borson questioned whether Neves would fit in with Man United’s wage structure if he completed a move to Old Trafford.
“All the players have got let’s say a 20 per cent reduction on not being in the Champions League, and so by its very nature, their average wage bill right now could be £200,000,” said Borson.
“If they’re getting the Champions League, the average maybe goes to £250k. Is Neves really going to fit in at £200k? I don’t know. It seems unlikely given that he’s probably been on closer to £500k a week in Saudi Arabia.
“I suspect it’s just more about him wanting a footballing move ahead of the World Cup maybe. But likewise, it would not surprise me if no deal happened at all and he makes the decision later.”
Neves has registered 14 goals and 25 assists in 108 appearances since joining Al-Hilal two-and-a-half years ago.
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