Newcastle United Lock Horns With Manchester United And Tottenham For This 28-Year-Old Midfielder: Will He Be A Good Option? | OneFootball

Former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves looks close to a Premier League return. Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur all want the Portuguese star ahead of the January transfer window. Journalist Graeme Bailey reports that these clubs have used intermediaries to check whether a deal is possible for the 28-year-old Al-Hilal player.

The Ruben Neves saga:

Newcastle United are actively joining the race. They are holding talks through agents as they try to strengthen their midfield options. Eddie Howe’s side has struggled with consistency this season.

Neves brings calmness and good passing skills that could lend compactness to the midfield alongside Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali. The Magpies also have ownership links with Al-Hilal via the Public Investment Fund. However, these links do not make transfers easy.

Neves excelled during his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers. He captained the side and displayed his smartness from deep areas. The midfielder surprised many by choosing Saudi Arabia in 2023 instead of joining a big European club.

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – OCTOBER 24: Ruben Neves of Al Hilal applauds the fans following the team’s victory during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ittihad and Al Hilal at King Abdullah Sports City on October 24, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

However, he quickly settled in. Neves produced strong performances and scored goals from midfield. In the meantime, Al-Hilal struggle to extend his contract. His contract will end in June 2026, and because of this, the club may sell him in January to recover part of the £47 million they spent.

Neves seems open to returning to Europe. He prefers England, where he feels he has more to achieve. Manchester United see Neves as a good fit for Ruben Amorim’s tactics. They hope to link him up with players like Bruno Fernandes. Tottenham want more control in midfield. Newcastle also want more depth to push for better league positions. All clubs know Neves must take a big wage cut from his Saudi deal for any move to happen.

Other clubs keep an eye on the situation as well, as Al-Hilal want a full sale. They hope to earn money now rather than lose him for nothing later. Meanwhile, private talks continue. Interested clubs might be able to sign him for about £20 million.

Should the Magpies make a move for him?

In our opinion, the Magpies badly need someone like Ruben Neves. He would be a huge signing for Newcastle United. Neves’ skill on the ball and Premier League experience would improve their midfield. The Portuguese international would take pressure off Guimarães while offering goals from midfield. At 28, he is entering the prime stage of his career. A lower fee makes the deal even more sensible despite the pay cut required.