Contracts Thinning, Prices Dropping, Ruben Neves Becomes Manchester United’s Realistic Option

Gilabola.com – Manchester United are again being linked with Ruben Neves ahead of the January transfer window, as the midfielder’s contract at Al Hilal expires next summer and he is likely to be released at a lower price.

The English club had been monitoring Neves before his move from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Saudi Arabia in 2023, and now interest has resurfaced amid the need for a midfield refresh.

The contract situation, more affordable prices, and Neves’ experience playing in the Premier League have made his name included in the club’s internal discussions.

Neves leaves the Premier League in the summer of 2023 after six years with Wolverhampton Wanderers and making more than 250 appearances.

He also played an important role in bringing Wolves promotion to the highest caste in 2018 and was the team captain during that period. At that time, his move to Al Hilal was seen as a big step, following a wave of top players heading to the Saudi Pro League.

Al Hilal recruited Neves for a reported fee of IDR 1.05 trillion and gave him a high-value contract. However, his tenure in Riyadh is now entering a crucial phase because his contract will expire at the end of the season. This condition opens up opportunities for interested clubs to negotiate January transfers at much lower prices.

Falling Prices and Midfield Needs

British media reports say Al Hilal is willing to receive around IDR 448 billion for Neves next January. This figure is considered realistic considering that the player does not plan to extend his contract.

For Manchester United, this situation presents a more reasonable alternative compared to other targets with very expensive prices.

Manchester United is known to be monitoring a number of young midfielders such as Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba. However, it is estimated that these two players will be difficult to release at a price below IDR 2.2 trillion in the winter market.

This difference in value makes Neves a more rational option if the club needs additional experience in midfield, and at 28 years old he is still in his golden period.

The final decision of course depends on coach Ruben Amorim’s policy direction in organizing the squad. If he thinks an experienced figure is needed who understands the intensity of the Premier League, Neves is considered to meet many of the criteria.

Apart from his technical abilities, he is also known as a leader and has an effective long-range shot. Neves himself showed a real contribution with Al Hilal by helping the club win the Saudi Pro League in its first season.

Al Hilal even went through that season without defeat, even though the following season only finished in second place. The change in coach from Jorge Jesus to Simone Inzaghi also provided a new dynamic within the team.

Under Inzaghi’s tutelage, Al Hilal remains competitive and is unbeaten in the first nine matches of the season. Neves has four league goals, including two in the last two games, as well as one goal in the King’s Cup. This record shows he is still at a high level of performance.

Our opinion

In our opinion, Ruben Neves is a reasonable medium-term solution for Manchester United if his price remains in the low range and wage demands are manageable. He’s not the answer to all problems, but his experience, leadership and understanding of the Premier League adds real value.