£47m Man Utd target now wants January move to Real Madrid
Manchester United target Ruben Neves has his sights on joining Real Madrid during the ongoing transfer window, according to Spanish outlet AS.
The Portugal international has been linked with a return to the Premier League, with his current Al-Hilal contract due to expire at the end of June.
United have been mentioned as one of his main admirers, but AS claim that the 28-year-old dreams of moving to Los Blancos instead this winter.
The former Wolverhampton Wanderers man has offered himself to the La Liga giants, but their hierarchy are not convinced to make a mid-season move.
With Neves’ contract expiring next summer, Madrid don’t want to spend a transfer fee to purchase him.
Neves’ stance does not come as a surprise
Neves was a standout midfielder during his time at Wolves. He could have signed for an elite European club, but joined Al-Hilal in a £47 million deal in the summer of 2023.
The Portuguese has been a huge hit for the Saudi Pro League giants with 45 goal contributions from 112 appearances. They have now offered him an improved contract.
However, it appears Neves wants to return to European football. His stance on joining Madrid does not surprise us.
Neves is represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes, who has done plenty of business with the La Liga heavyweights.
Furthermore, the midfielder has his sights on playing Champions League football, which is not assured at United (for now).
Neves could be signed for £18 million, but his £294,000 per week wages (tax-free) are another huge stumbling block for clubs.
The Portuguese may not be willing to accept a significant pay cut, which means United may not even consider a formal transfer offer.
The club currently have new signings Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo in the £150,000-£180,000 weekly bracket.
United will want Neves to accept a similar salary if he opens the door to join the club this winter.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .