Fabrizio Romano provided an intriguing Christmas morning update regarding Manchester United and the Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves, currently playing for Al-Hilal. The news has sparked considerable interest among fans, as it suggests that the Red Devils could be planning a significant revamp of their midfield setup in anticipation of the 2026 season. The urgency of such plans has been heightened by a recent injury to Bruno Fernandes, United’s captain, which is expected to sideline him for over a month. This situation has forced the club’s hierarchy to explore alternative options to strengthen the midfield immediately.
Manchester United’s technical director, Jason Wilcox, had previously outlined a set of primary targets for January acquisitions, including Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Wharton. These players were considered ideal options to bolster the squad, but unfortunately, none of them are available during the upcoming transfer window. This limitation has prompted United to widen their search, considering other potential targets to maintain competitiveness in the Premier League. Names such as Alex Scott and Joao Gomes have been floated in discussions, but attention has recently shifted back to Ruben Neves, especially after reports emerged that he declined a contract extension from his current club, Al-Hilal.
Ruben Neves, now 28 years old, has been on Manchester United’s radar for several years. His performances during his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers earned him high praise for his technical abilities and vision in the midfield. At Wolves, Neves made over 250 appearances, scoring 30 goals and providing 13 assists, establishing himself as a reliable deep-lying playmaker. His Premier League exploits caught the attention of clubs across Europe, and he eventually secured a £47 million transfer to Al-Hilal in the summer of 2023. At his new club, he quickly formed an impressive partnership with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, contributing 14 goals and 25 assists across 107 appearances. His consistent performances in Saudi Arabia have maintained his reputation as a technically gifted midfielder capable of dictating play from deeper positions.
Despite his success abroad, Neves is reportedly uninterested in extending his stay in Saudi Arabia beyond the summer of 2026. Al-Hilal have attempted to renew his contract, but he has turned down their offers, making it clear that he is seeking a new challenge before the expiry of his current deal. This situation presents Manchester United with a potential opportunity to acquire a player of proven quality at a reduced price, either in January or as a free agent during the summer. The Portuguese international’s availability could represent a cost-effective solution to the club’s immediate midfield concerns while also providing long-term value.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have already held preliminary discussions with Neves’ agent. These talks, however, were exploratory in nature, aimed at gauging the player’s openness to a potential move rather than formal negotiations. United have not yet approached Al-Hilal regarding a transfer, but the ongoing monitoring of the situation suggests that the club sees Neves as a strategic target for either the winter or summer window. The combination of Neves’ abilities with those of Bruno Fernandes could be highly attractive, offering Manchester United a midfield partnership capable of both creativity and control in the heart of the team.
In summary, Ruben Neves’ situation represents a significant opportunity for Manchester United to reinforce their midfield ahead of the 2026 season. His experience in top-flight football, proven skill set, and impending availability make him a viable target for a squad seeking to maintain competitiveness while preparing for the possible absence of key players like Bruno Fernandes. With the transfer window approaching, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see whether Manchester United can successfully capitalize on this chance to secure one of Europe’s most talented midfielders.