Reliable Spanish journalist José Félix Díaz, editor-in-chief of Marca, dropped a bombshell in international and Saudi sports circles by revealing new details about the future of Portuguese star Rúben Neves, the midfield maestro of Saudi club Al-Hilal. According to reports, Neves has already begun planning his next move, with his sights set on a return to Europe, specifically to Real Madrid.
Neves offers his services to Real Madrid
Diaz confirmed that Ruben Neves initiated contact, offering his services to Real Madrid as a free agent in the near future. This news comes amidst the player's desire for a new challenge at the highest European level, taking advantage of his contractual situation with the club.
The Portuguese international is under contract with Al-Hilal until the end of the current 2025-2026 season, meaning he will be free to sign with any club he wishes for free after that date. Sources indicate that Neves is refusing to renew his contract with the Saudi club, preferring to leave on a free transfer to fulfill his dream of wearing the white jersey.
A distinguished career and a major impact with Al-Hilal
Since joining Al-Hilal from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2023, Ruben Neves has been a cornerstone of coach Jorge Jesus's squad. Neves has been instrumental in Al-Hilal's domestic and continental dominance, contributing significantly to their title wins thanks to his exceptional vision and ability to dictate the tempo of the game, making him one of the best midfielders in the Saudi Professional League.
Real Madrid's situation and the club's need to strengthen its midfield
Neves' desire comes at a time when Real Madrid is undergoing a transitional phase in midfield, especially after the retirement of German legend Toni Kroos and the advancing age of Croatian star Luka Modric. Despite Real Madrid possessing a squad of talented youngsters such as Bellingham, Camavinga, and Tchouaméni, the sporting management in Madrid, led by Florentino Pérez, is not averse to seizing free transfer opportunities, as was the case previously with David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger.
The transfer of a player of Neves’ size and experience (who is still at the peak of his football career) on a free transfer could represent an ideal solution to strengthen the depth of the Madrid squad with proven international experience, without having to pay exorbitant transfer fees, which is in line with the wise economic policy of the Spanish club in recent years.
Expected impact of the deal
Should this deal be finalized in the future, it will be strong evidence that the Saudi Professional League has become a global attraction, not only for recruiting players but also as a platform that retains quality talent and prepares them to return to Europe's biggest clubs. However, losing a player of Neves' caliber would be a significant blow to Al-Hilal, who would have to search for a world-class replacement capable of filling the huge void the Portuguese star would leave in midfield.
