Ruben Neves set for shock transfer after links with joining Newcastle

Add as preferred source on Google

Talk of Ruben Neves joining Newcastle United will officially come to an end very soon, with the midfielder on the brink of a move away from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Heading into the summer, it has been inevitable that the 26-year-old will leave Molineux, with Wolves resigned to losing him.

He has been linked with a move to Newcastle, with the Magpies keen to sign midfield reinforcements ahead of next season. The Portugal international was identified as a possible target, with the club big fans of Neves’ passing and shooting ability.

Those qualities make him an exciting player to watch, but we will no longer be seeing them in the Premier League. That is because he is leaving Wolves – and not to join another club in English football’s top flight.

Ruben Neves to sign for Al Hilal

According to the Athletic, Neves is set to sign for Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal. They are going to pay £47million for him, with personal terms agreed over a three-year deal.

The report adds that the deal will be officially announced after the international break, with Neves currently representing Portugal, who face Iceland in a Euro 2024 qualifier on Tuesday.

It is a staggering move, during a summer where Saudi clubs are snapping up some of football’s biggest names, much like the Chinese Super League did a few years ago.

The Neves deal is particularly surprising, as this is a player who is still yet to hit his peak. And rather than join a club that is playing in the Champions League, he is off to the Middle East.

It will be interesting to hear Neves’ justification for the move when it is made official, but it is clear why Newcastle did not make a bid given that he is on his way out of Wolves for £47million.

There is no way that the Magpies would pay that much money for the ‘sensational‘ playmaker. While he is a brilliant player, that kind of investment would have made a significant dent in our summer transfer budget.

Interestingly, Al Hilal are one of four Saudi clubs who are now 75% owned by PIF. The majority shareholders at St James’ Park are on the brink of a huge deal for a Toon target, but he is on his way to Saudi Arabia, rather than the North East.