The contractual situation of Ruben Neves, the Portuguese midfielder currently at Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, has sparked intense interest from several top European clubs in a possible return to Western soccer. According to several media reports, the midfielder has rejected his current club’s renewal offer and his contract expires at the end of the season, which opens the door to a major move in the next transfer window.
The performance and experience of Neves, 26 years old and with experience in competitive leagues such as the English Premier League, make him a target for the most demanding teams. The possibility of him leaving Saudi Arabia in January or in the summer has put clubs like Manchester United and Newcastle United on alert, while in Spain Real Madrid would be attentive to his contractual situation for a possible free transfer.
Premier on alert for Neves
A return to English soccer appears to be one of the most talked-about options for Neves, who previously shone in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers before moving to Saudi Arabia in 2023. As reported by The Times, the player would be “ready to return to the Premier League as early as the winter transfer window” and his desire to leave Al Hilal has generated moves to several clubs in England.
Manchester United, which is looking to strengthen its midfield to compete in the Premier League and in European competitions, is watching the Portuguese’s situation with interest. The same goes for Newcastle United, who are looking to consolidate their position among the clubs fighting for the top places in the table. Neves’ combination of experience, technical quality and leadership in midfield make him an attractive option for both teams.
Al Hilal’s stance, mindful of the player’s contract expiration, could facilitate the midfielder’s exit, although the Saudis are looking to recoup at least part of the initial outlay. Neves’ club have priced his winter exit at around £18 million, a figure which, given the contractual context, may seem high but represents an attempt to recoup some of the £47 million paid to Wolverhampton for his transfer.
Real Madrid, on the lookout for an open opportunity
While in England there is growing interest in Neves, in Spain Real Madrid is closely following the development of the player’s contractual situation. Although the winter transfer window is not a priority in the club’s planning, the movements for next summer and the possible departures in the midfield have activated the radar in the capital.
From Arabia, former Al Hilal player Al Jaber claimed on MBC channel, “I’m afraid Neves will move from Al Hilal to Real Madrid for free after his contract with the team expires at the end of this season.” His statement puts on the table the possibility that Real Madrid, always on the lookout for free transfer opportunities, could snap up a player with proven experience. According to this source, “There are English Premier League clubs who want to sign Neves… There’s Real Madrid, and I’m sure there are other clubs who want Neves.”
Neves’ free arrival would fit in with the strategy that Madrid has applied in recent markets, incorporating players such as David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger or Trent Alexander-Arnold at no transfer cost, although this depends on the club’s planning and sporting priorities to reinforce the midfield.
Contract in atonement and advance sale
Neves’ stance on his renewal has strained his relationship with Al Hilal, who see how they could lose the player without significant financial compensation at the end of his contract. Faced with this situation, and to avoid a total loss, the Saudi club would be willing to accept an offer between 15 and 20 million euros in the winter market. This price, lower than the initial expectation, is explained by the proximity of the end of the contract and the player’s clear intention to move.
For a European club, this situation can become an opportunity: to obtain a midfielder with international experience and leadership skills at a relatively low cost.
Profile of a midfielder with an impact in Europe
Neves has established himself as a solid and complete midfielder. His ability to direct play, sustain possession and provide stability in midfield has made him a standout in the English league and beyond. After a spell at Wolverhampton, where he made a name for himself in the Premiership, his move to Al Hilal represented a lucrative period away from the European spotlight.
However, a return to the old continent would not only be a matter of sporting appeal, but also of revitalizing a career still in its prime. At 29 in 2026, Neves would be at an optimal age to bring experience and immediate performance to a team that aspires to compete at the highest level.
Neves’ future up in the air
With the season underway and his contract nearing its end, the next few weeks will be key to elucidate the immediate future of Ruben Neves. The options of a January exit or waiting until the summer, when he will be released, offer different strategies for interested clubs.
While Manchester United and Newcastle United are keeping a close eye on his situation, the possible interest of Real Madrid adds an extra component of expectation around the Portuguese player. A free arrival at the club would be a coup in the summer market, while a winter transfer to the Premier League could strengthen one of the teams aspiring to European places for the second half of the season.
