Newcastle United Want To Sign This 28-Year-Old Midfielder: The Right Choice For The Magpies? | OneFootball

Newcastle United want to bring Rúben Neves back to English football, and TBR Football report that the club put him on their shortlist for the next window. The midfielder currently plays for Al-Hilal, where he earns a significant salary, yet his contract is due to expire at the end of the season. The Saudi club may choose to sell him in January instead of losing him for free. Neves wants to return to England because he feels his time in the Premier League is unfinished.

At Wolverhampton Wanderers, the 28-year-old earned a reputation as a leader, a deep-lying playmaker, and a reliable figure in big matches. Graeme Bailey told TBR Football that Neves still feels he has unfinished business in English football. He could return to Portugal or move to Spain or Italy, but he will not demand the same wages he earned in Saudi Arabia, which gives him more options.

Newcastle United hope his experience and control will strengthen their midfield as they chase domestic and European goals. This news follows recent stories that Newcastle United are monitoring Endrick with serious intent ahead of the January transfer window and that Newcastle United plan to offer €50 million to sign Atletico Madrid’s young forward Giuliano Simeone in the January transfer window, underlining the scale of their plans.

What did Graeme Bailey say?

He said: “I am told that Neves thinks there is ‘unfinished’ business in England – he had a wonderful time at Molineux and he is still highly respected.

“But it is not a given that he moves back to England.

“A return to Portugal would be considered whilst there is strong interest in Spain and Italy too – he is not going to be short of options.

“It is believed that Neves, given his substantial earnings during his stay in Saudi Arabia, won’t be looking for similar wages – he is in a good position that he will be able to choose the best club for him – this move will not be about the finances.”

Would Rúben Neves fit into Eddie Howe’s midfield at Newcastle United?

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JULY 04: Ruben Neves #8 of Al Hilal controls the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter final match between Fluminense FC and Al Hilal at Camping World Stadium on July 04, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Neves brings clear qualities to any side. His range of passing gives any side the ability to maintain possession and release forwards with precision. The Portuguese midfielder stays calm under pressure and dictates the tempo.

His set-piece ability and long-range shots make him dangerous in attack. The 28-year-old’s Premier League experience and leadership give him maturity and composure that few midfielders can match. He adds defensive positioning and interceptions that balance out more adventurous teammates.

Yet questions remain about how well he fits Eddie Howe’s system. The Magpies rely on athletic midfielders who press high and cover ground, and Neves lacks that mobility. His defensive intelligence is clear, but his slower pace makes him less suited to the box-to-box role that Joelinton or Sandro Tonali play.

Bruno Guimarães already plays as a deep-lying playmaker. That raises the question of whether Howe views Neves as competition, rotation, or a change of style. The key question is whether Newcastle see him as the missing piece or simply as a different option to balance their midfield.