Manchester United Targets Portugal Midfielder

Rúben Neves, a midfielder for Al-Hilal, has caught the attention of Manchester United, following a request from Ruben Amorim. Neves’ contract in Saudi Arabia ends this summer.

Neves is now on the club’s shortlist as Amorim plans to revamp the midfield.

The former Wolves captain can be signed without a fee this summer, with no renewal agreement at Al-Hilal as of now.

He joined Al-Hilal from the Premier League in a £47m transfer in 2023 and has since played 112 games for the Saudi club. After three years in the Middle East, he is reportedly interested in returning to England.

According to Spanish source Fichajes, Manchester United sees the 28-year-old as a smart signing, especially since he would be available for free. Neves might need to lower his salary from his current deal in Saudi Arabia, but that apparently isn’t seen as a problem.

United aims to secure at least two central midfielders in the upcoming transfer windows, given uncertainties around Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte. Additionally, Casemiro, who will be 34 in February, also has a contract that expires this summer.

Manchester United has shown interest in Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, although both would require over £60m to sign.

Signing Neves for free could help free up funds for other key targets while adding a proven player to the squad. He would join compatriots Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot at Old Trafford.