Newcastle United have been linked with signing Ruben Neves this summer, and he has made an interesting comment about his Wolves future.
Neves was at St James’ Park on Sunday, but was unable to inspire Wolves to victory against Newcastle. Eddie Howe’s side won 2-1 thanks to goals from Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron.
It was a wonderful performance from the Magpies’ midfield. Joe Willock was one of Newcastle’s best players, while Sean Longstaff and Bruno Guimaraes also rose to the occasion.
In contrast, it was a tough afternoon for Wolves. Neves had chances to have a real impact on the game with one of his trademark strikes from distance, but failed to find a way past Nick Pope.
For the Portuguese midfielder, it was a chance to show Newcastle what he is capable of. He was linked with a move to SJP in January, and it has since been claimed by the Daily Mail that he is going to be a summer target.
While he potentially failed his audition, the Toon recruitment team will certainly be interested in what Neves has said about his Wolves future.
Ruben Neves hints he could leave Wolves
The 26-year-old has spoke to ELEVEN (as reported by Record) about his future, and appears to have opened the door for a move away from Molineux.
I’m extremely happy here [at Wolves],” he said.
“But obviously, in terms of my career, I’d like to play in the Champions League again.
“It’s one of my goals to try to win as many titles as possible before I finish my career. That’s what it’s all about. The goal of any player, to be able to play in the biggest competitions in the world, to be able to play at the highest level.”
He could get Champions League football at Newcastle
There is not much chance of Neves playing in the Champions League for Wolves, but he could do it for Newcastle.
The Magpies are in contention to qualify for next season’s competition, and boosted their chances with Sunday’s 2-1 win at Wolves’ expense.
If Howe’s side can go on a run similar to the one they enjoyed earlier in the season then they have a great chance of finishing in the top four. That would qualify Newcastle for the Champions League, which would be an incredible achievement.
It would also make St James’ Park a much more desirable destination for players who want to compete in Europe’s elite tournament.
Neves has made it clear that he wants to do just that, and could soon be on the move. His Wolves contract expires in 2024, which could result in him being sold this summer.
He is on Newcastle’s radar and, while he struggled at St James’ Park on Sunday, could see the North East as the perfect place to achieve his European ambitions.