Former Man Utd, Liverpool target in advanced talks over shock summer move after Wolves agree £47m deal
Ruben Neves is reportedly in talks to sign for Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal after Wolves received a £47m bid for the Portugal midfielder.
The 26-year-old has completed six seasons with Wolves, making 219 Premier League appearances. The former Porto ace has been seen 253 times in all competitions, scoring 30 times. And he has been a mainstay of the West Midlanders’ side since arriving at Molineux.
However, with just one year left on his contract, action needs to be taken on his future.
And with the talented schemer seemingly unwilling to pen fresh terms with Wolves, a move away is inevitable.
Neves has been heavily linked with a switch to Barcelona. Indeed it was reported earlier this month that his agent, Jorge Mendes, was working on a swap deal between the two clubs.
It was said he pitched the idea of Ansu Fati joining Wolves, with Neves moving to the Nou Camp.
But the Catalan giants seems to be stalling over their move for the man with 39 Portugal caps.
And it may be that the exodus of players to the Middle East nation continues.
With seemingly unlimited funds, they have agreed a £47m fee with Wolves for Neves.
Multiple sources are reporting the news, with talkSPORT, Sky Sports and The Athletic all carrying the story.
READ MORE: Liverpool ‘move on’ from £38m midfield target as Klopp switches focus to two solid alternatives
It seems as though the Mozelos-born ace became impatient waiting for Barcelona to make their move.
And he is now in advanced talks about a transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Premier League clubs to miss out on Neves
Neves was one of a plethora of Portuguese players brought to Wolves by Mendes.
Not all have proved to be successful but they have certainly got full value for Neves.
Primarily a defensive midfielder, he has also scored a few spectacular goals over the years.
Still in his prime, it is no wonder that Premier League clubs have been linked.
It was thought that Liverpool were in pole to secure his signature, while Manchester United and Arsenal were also linked.
But it was the Reds who appeared further along in their efforts to get him on board until Barca showed their hand.
Neves seemed keen to join the Spanish giants but the trail has gone cold and he may well end up moving to Saudi Arabia.
Money from that nation is attracting some of the world’s top stars, with Lionel Messi set to join Cristiano Ronaldo next season.
Both players are in the twilight years of their glittering careers but are still a huge draw for spectators.
Veteran striker Karim Benzema has also joined the bandwagon while Wilfried Zaha may also be recruited.
The Neves situation is slightly different as he is still in the prime years of his career.
There is no question that Premier League and continental clubs would love to have him their ranks.
Playing in Saudi Arabia might be more lucrative but is not in the same ball park as regards prestige.
It will come down to whether he priorities finance over the standard of football he wants to play.
Whatever happens, it does seem as though Wolves will be losing one of their best players.
But, with the money involved, Julen Lopetegui will be able to strengthen his squad for next season.
