Manchester United are among a host of Premier League clubs keeping close tabs on Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, who is looking to move back to Europe in 2026, journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed.
The Old Trafford side were contacted about a possible move for the Portuguese international in the summer and are again being kept informed on his situation in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Hilal could be looking to sell the midfielder as soon as January as they risk losing Neves for free when his £410,000-a-week contract expires in June.
A number of clubs are believed to have been approached to make them aware of Neves’ potential availability, including Tottenham and Newcastle, with the three Premier League sides seen as potential landing spots for Neves.
The 28-year-old midfielder joined Al-Hilal from Wolves in the summer of 2023 and has won four trophies in Saudi to date, including a league title in his first season.
Man United Eyeing Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves
According to Bailey, a return to Europe is ‘very much on the radar’ for Neves, who feels there is ‘unfinished business’ in England, where he spent six seasons with Wolves.
The 28-year-old is also believed to have strong suitors in Spain and Italy, while a return to Portugal could also be considered, as he is expected to take a pay cut at his next club.
Man United’s reported interest could be boosted by captain Bruno Fernandes, who is reportedly ‘very much endorsing’ Neves’ arrival at Old Trafford and is keen to join forces with his Portugal teammate.
Neves has won 60 caps for Portugal to date and lifted the Nations League twice, in 2019 and 2025, alongside Fernandes, who scored his 100th Man United goal last weekend in the 2-1 win over Chelsea.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Neves made 253 appearances during his time at Wolves, scoring 30 goals and providing 13 assists.
Man United were searching for a new midfielder during the summer window but saw their plans to sign Brighton starlet Carlos Baleba collapse after learning of an eye-watering fee the Premier League club were demanding.
