Man Utd now eyeing January move for £47m midfielder, contact made with representatives

Manchester United are one of the main contenders to sign Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves ahead of the winter transfer window, according to AS.

The Red Devils are likely to reinforce their midfield department at the turn of the year, but they could look for a low-cost solution due to budget constraints.

Neves’ current deal with Al-Hilal expires in June 2026, and AS claim that they are ready to sell him for £17.5 million this winter if he does not renew. The Saudi Pro League club signed him for £47m from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2023.

United are among the ‘most interested’ clubs in the midfielder, but they face a potential hurdle in pursuing his services.

AS cite that Neves has his sights on playing Champions League football. The 28-year-old wants a chance to win the competition before he turns 30.

The Red Devils have already held informal meetings with Neves’ representatives. They consider him as a replacement for Casemiro, who could leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.

United can persuade Neves to join from Al-Hilal

Neves has vast Premier League experience from his time at Wolves. He made seven goal contributions as a defensive midfielder during his final campaign (2022/23).

The Portuguese won an impressive two tackles and four duels per game with seven recoveries. He averaged 51 passes per appearance and completed 69 percent of his dribbles.

Neves has been away from English football for the past 30 months, and there is a potential risk involved in signing him, given that the Saudi Pro League is less intense and less physical.

Still, at £17.5m, United may not get a better solution at the midway stage of the campaign.

Neves is currently on a hefty salary of £294,000 per week in Saudi, which is tax-free. He may need to accept a significant pay cut to make the switch back to Europe this winter.

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo earn around £150,000 weekly. United could be prepared to hand him a similar contract if he decides to choose them over other European sides.

The Red Devils are not in the Champions League this term, but the club have a genuine chance for next season. They are two points behind fourth-placed Liverpool in the Premier League, who have a game in hand.

A fifth-place finish could also be enough to qualify if English clubs make good progress in Europe this season. United are just goal difference behind Chelsea for the fifth position, as things stand.

Neves would provide a good upgrade on Casemiro with his improved work rate from the base of the midfield. He could help the club make a strong push to qualify for the Champions League.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com, Capology.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .