Portuguese press reports have revealed that international star Ruben Neves , the midfielder for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal club, has made a decisive decision regarding his future, as he plans to leave the “Leader” at the end of the current football season, with his sights set on returning to the English Premier League.
According to the renowned Portuguese network A Bola, Neves has decided to leave the Saudi capital, Riyadh, after just one season, despite his successful stint with the team that currently leads the Saudi Professional League and is a strong contender for all titles. The report indicated that the player has informed those close to him of his final decision, preferring a return to the competitive European leagues he abruptly left last summer.
The general context of Neves' transfer to Al-Hilal
Ruben Neves' (27 years old) transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Al-Hilal in June 2023 for a fee of approximately €55 million was one of the biggest surprises of the summer transfer window. This move came at the peak of the player's career, as he was captain of his team and a target for major European clubs such as Barcelona and Newcastle United. His transfer marked a turning point in the strategy of Saudi clubs, which were no longer limited to acquiring stars in the twilight of their careers, but were now able to attract players at the height of their powers, thanks to the immense financial resources of the Public Investment Fund.
The importance of a potential return and its impact
Neves' potential return to England is significant on several levels. Domestically, his departure would represent a major technical loss for Al-Hilal, as he is a key pillar of the team's midfield, which has been performing exceptionally well this season. Internationally, this move could raise questions about the Saudi league's ability to retain world-class players in the long term.
Newcastle United stands out as the most likely destination for the Portuguese player, given that the club is also owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which could facilitate a transfer, whether on loan or a permanent deal. Earlier this season, Premier League clubs voted on a proposal to ban loan deals between clubs owned by the same entity, a move widely seen as a direct attempt to thwart Neves' potential January move to Newcastle. However, the proposal failed to secure the necessary majority. In addition to Newcastle, Neves remains linked with other clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, who have previously expressed interest in acquiring his services.
Although Neves earns a hefty salary of around €475,000 per week with Al-Hilal, his desire to return to competing at the highest level in Europe appears to be the deciding factor in his decision, even if it means a pay cut. With the summer transfer window approaching, all eyes will be on the Portuguese star's future, which could ignite a new battle among top Premier League clubs.
