Al Hilal icon ‘fears key midfielder will join Real Madrid for free’ in 2026 | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s long search for balance and control in midfield may be heading in a very unexpected direction. 

According to a report from AS, sources from Saudi Arabia are circling towards a very unexpected name – Ruben Neves.

Since Xabi Alonso took charge at Real Madrid, the lack of a true midfield organiser has become increasingly evident. 

Although several midfielders were linked with Madrid during the summer window, the club ultimately chose continuity, backing the existing group rather than forcing a signing.

That decision is now being reassessed. Internally, the conclusion has been reached that Real Madrid must secure a midfielder for the future, someone capable of dictating tempo and bringing order in high-pressure matches. 

Younger profiles such as Angelo Stiller and Adam Wharton are seen as favourites, but the recruitment department is also monitoring market opportunities, particularly players approaching the end of their contracts.

Neves – An unexpected addition

This is where Neves enters the picture. Sources in Saudi Arabia are increasingly confident that the Portuguese midfielder will not remain at Al Hilal beyond this season. 

His contract expires at the end of the season, and at 29 years old, he is keen on returning to European football. 

Ruben Neves is likely to leave Al Hilal soon. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

The former FC Porto captain believes he still has plenty to offer at the highest level.

The speculation intensified after comments made by former Al Hilal player Sami Al-Jaber, who openly expressed concern about Neves’ future while speaking to MBC. 

Offering rare insight from within Saudi football, he said, “I fear Neves will move from Al Hilal to Real Madrid for free after his contract with the club expires at the end of this season. 

“There are Premier League clubs that want to sign Neves, and the contracts they are offering him are for three years, meaning until he turns 31. 

“Real Madrid is also interested, and I’m sure there are other clubs that want Neves.”

What next?

Now, Al Hilal are reportedly open to selling him in the upcoming winter window to avoid losing him for nothing. 

Saudi sources claim the club would accept an offer between €15 million and €20 million, which is a figure well below market value for a player of his experience and profile.

As such, competition is expected and Manchester United are among the clubs most strongly linked with Neves, viewing him as a ready-made solution for their own midfield issues.