Portuguese midfielder offered himself to Real Madrid and was immediately turned down | OneFootball

A recent report from AS, authored by journalist Jose Felix Diaz, has revealed an interesting development involving Ruben Neves and Real Madrid. 

According to the report, the Portuguese midfielder offered himself to Los Blancos in recent weeks as a free-agent opportunity, only for the Spanish giants to turn the proposal down without hesitation.

As has already been widely reported, the club has no intention of making signings in the January transfer window, with their full focus placed firmly on long-term planning and the summer of 2026. 

The strategy is to stay disciplined, patient, and selective, even when appealing names become available at no transfer cost.

Rejecting Ruben Neves

In recent years, Real Madrid have built a reputation for exploiting market opportunities by signing players whose contracts are nearing expiration. 

That approach has brought success and stability, but it has also created side effects. 

Many agents and players now see Madrid as a natural destination whenever a contract is about to expire, often attempting to position their clients as ‘strategic fits’ for the club.

Neves is one such case. Currently playing for Al-Hilal, the midfielder’s contract runs until the end of the season, and all indications suggest he does not plan to renew. 

Real Madrid are not interested in Ruben Neves. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

His aim is reportedly to return to European football, and Real Madrid were viewed as an ideal landing spot due to their midfield transition phase.

However, Madrid’s response was firm. While the club is aware of Neves’ qualities and experience, they do not see him as a priority option for their future project. 

The fact that a player is available on a free transfer does not automatically place him on Madrid’s shortlist. 

The club remain highly selective, especially in midfield, where the long-term vision is built around younger profiles and players who fit precisely into the sporting plan.

From Madrid’s perspective, this type of situation is becoming increasingly common. 

This is because agents often attempt to use the club’s past success with free transfers to generate momentum, create headlines, and improve negotiating positions elsewhere. 

But within Real Madrid, availability does not equal interest.