Neves is willing to take a pay cut to join Manchester United, currently earning £410,000 per week! He could become Amorim's most realistic target this winter window.

Premier League transfer expert Graham Bailey states that Manchester United is among several Premier League clubs interested in Ruben Neves. The 28-year-old Neves currently plays for Al Hilal in the Saudi Professional League but aims to return to Europe in 2026.

Rumors suggest that Manchester United contacted the Portuguese international this summer regarding a potential transfer, being informed that Al Hilal might consider selling him as early as January next year. With Neves’ contract nearing expiration, his transfer fee could be as low as €20 million.

It is reported that Manchester United, Tottenham, and Newcastle are all seen as possible destinations for Neves. He spent six years at Wolves in the Premier League, making 253 appearances, scoring 30 goals, and providing 13 assists. He was long rumored to be a potential Manchester United signing at that time.

However, Neves moved from Wolves to Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023 and has since won four trophies there. Now, he is eager to return to European football, feeling he still has unfinished business in England.

Spanish La Liga and Italian Serie A clubs are also very interested in Neves, who himself has expressed a definite intention to return to Portugal during his career and play for his boyhood club Porto. He has supported them since childhood, joining their youth academy at age 8 but left for the English Championship at 20 without ever winning a title with Porto, which he considers a regret in his career.

“I always say I don’t want to go back to Porto just to retire; I want to return while I’m still competitive. That’s my big goal,” Neves said. “Fortunately, even though I’m already 28, my physical condition is excellent.”

“I never won a championship at Porto, which has always been my dream. Plus, over 60 members of my family support the club, so I want to share this experience with them and also live it for myself. I used to celebrate titles at Porto’s stadium from the stands, but now I want to be on the pitch, celebrating with my family.”

Neves earns a weekly wage of £410,000 at Al Hilal but is willing to take a significant pay cut to play in Europe again. Under Manchester United’s current salary structure, he might only earn £150,000 per week, less than half of his Saudi salary. When last playing in the Premier League, his weekly wage was under £50,000.

After over two years in the Middle East, by January next year Neves will have earned more than £50 million. Bailey commented, “Neves has already made a substantial income in Saudi Arabia, and it’s believed he won’t demand a similar salary again. He is fully capable of choosing the club that suits him best, and this transfer will not be financially driven.”

Reports indicate that Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes could increase Neves’ interest in joining. Bruno strongly supports Neves’ move and is eager to partner with his Portuguese teammate. Neves shares a close bond with his Portuguese colleagues and even turned an image of celebrating with Diogo Jota—who tragically died in a car accident—into a tattoo on his left leg.

So far, Neves has earned 60 caps for Portugal and won the UEFA Nations League twice alongside Bruno, in 2019 and 2025. Interestingly, while Neves hopes to return to Europe next year, Bruno may move to the Middle East, meaning they could miss each other’s paths.

Manchester United failed to sign any midfield reinforcements this summer. Whether under Amorim or another Red Devils manager, the midfield issue will need addressing next year. Casemiro is expected to leave next summer, and the futures of Bruno Fernandes, Cody Gakpo, and Fred remain uncertain.

Most of Manchester United’s midfield targets are very expensive. Neves offers the best overall value: he has Premier League experience, is in his prime, and comes at a reasonable price. The only challenge is negotiating his wages.

Transfer expert Ben Jacobs explained, “People should closely watch players wanting to return to Europe six months before the World Cup — these are opportunistic transfers. Neves is one of those players worth monitoring. Being slightly older, he might be a short-term solution. I do believe there is a real chance Neves will leave Al Hilal.”