The latest Manchester United news as Ruben Neves has been tipped to return to European football with his contract at Al-Hilal ending next summer
22:09, 17 Sep 2025Updated 22:11, 17 Sep 2025
Ruben Neves in action for Portugal (Image: Getty Images)
Ruben Neves has reached a special milestone for Al-Hilal amid links to Manchester United.
The 28-year-old has emerged as a surprise candidate to reinforce the Reds’ midfield, having entered the final year of his contract at the Saudi Pro League side. Earlier this summer, United were looking at a move for a central midfielder and identified Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba as a target.
However, his steep price tag – believed to be around £100 million – led United to shelve their interest for the time being. While they could revisit a move for the 21-year-old next year, other names such as Adam Wharton, Morten Hjulmand, and Elliot Anderson also emerged.
On Wednesday, the Daily Briefing reported that Neves is open to returning to European football after two seasons at Al-Hilal. He previously enjoyed a successful spell in the Premier League with Wolves, playing a key role in their promotion to the top flight during the 2017/18 season.
The report states that Newcastle United and Tottenham are likely to vie for the player’s signature, while Ruben Amorim is reportedly particularly keen on signing him.
However, Neves appears focused on the job at hand in the Middle East after reaching 100 games for Al-Hilal. Taking to Instagram, he shared the club’s tribute with a simple blue ‘love heart’ emoji.
Ruben Neves has played 100 games for Al-Hilal(Image: Instagram)
Back in August, during an interview with Portuguese channel Sport TV, Neves revealed his wish to return to his boyhood club, FC Porto.
“I’ve said it in all the interviews – it’s not coming back to finish your career, it’s going back to play and be competitive: that’s my big goal,” he said.
“Fortunately, I’m 28 years old and I feel very good physically. This is a career goal, because I wasn’t champion at Porto and having a family of over 60 people who support the club, it’s something I want to give them and experience [for myself].
“I used to go to the Aliados to celebrate Porto’s titles but now I want to be on the other side and want to see my family celebrate.”
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