Man United Discusses Ruben Neves Transfer, IDR 1 Trillion Midfielder Threatens to Leave

Gilabola.com – Manchester United are starting to make strategic moves to improve their midfield. The club nicknamed the Red Devils has reportedly opened initial talks regarding the potential transfer of Ruben Neves from Al-Hilal, amidst INEOS’ big plans to overhaul the squad next season.

This move comes as United’s urgent need for an anchor-type midfielder. With the main target being too expensive and the January window full of limitations, Neves is seen as a realistic short-term solution that can make an immediate impact.

Manchester United Focuses on Improving Midfield

It is common knowledge that Manchester United is hunting for a new midfielder or two. After focusing on improving the front sector last summer by bringing in Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, as well as recruiting Senne Lammens as the main goalkeeper, now Ruben Amorim’s attention has shifted to the midfield.

United are actually very interested in bringing in Carlos Baleba from Brighton. However, the high price set by the club from the South Coast made United abandon their plans, at least temporarily.

The names Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest) and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) are also on the alternative list. Even so, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano emphasized that Baleba remains United’s number one target.

“If there is one player who is really at the top of Manchester United’s list, it is Carlos Baleba. They really like him,” said Romano.
“Anderson and Wharton are on the list, but Baleba is always considered Ruben Amorim’s main target.”

Expensive Prices Make United Look for January Options

The problem is, all of these options require large funds. It is estimated that United will only make serious moves in the summer market, not January. This situation made management start to look at more affordable alternatives as a temporary solution.

Ruben Neves also emerged as a strong candidate. The 28 year old Al-Hilal midfielder is considered to have experience, leadership and the ability to regulate the tempo which is still very relevant for European football.

Al-Hilal Ready to Sell, INEOS Starts Moving

According to a report by journalist Graeme Bailey, Al-Hilal is open to releasing Neves to a European club in the January market. Manchester United is said to have held initial talks with the player’s representatives.

Interest in Neves also came from Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur. It is stated that many clubs are starting to show seriousness, and the player is open to returning to Europe in the near future.

“The 28-year-old is considering his options and has told his agent he is open to a move in January,” the report said.

“Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle – who have long admired Neves – have been contacted.”

Manuel Ugarte Allowed to Leave

To make room for Neves and other new midfielders, Manchester United is expected to release several players. One name that sticks out is Manuel Ugarte.

According to a report by journalist Dean Jones, Ugarte’s departure has even received the green light from within the club. The midfielder from Uruguay was recruited in August 2024 for £50.7 million (around IDR 1.01 trillion, including bonuses), and was touted as a long-term solution to United’s midfield problems.

However, reality did not go according to expectations. Ugarte struggled to adapt to the intensity of the Premier League and failed to displace the aging Casemiro from the main defensive midfielder position.

“That vision did not materialize. Ugarte struggled to build his career in England and was eventually expected to be let go,” wrote Jones.

Our View

Manchester United’s move to open talks for Ruben Neves makes sense. Despite January’s limited budget, Neves offers a combination of experience, composure and leadership – something that has often been missing from United’s midfield in recent seasons.

However, the decision to release Manuel Ugarte after an investment of more than IDR 1 trillion also raises big question marks. This again highlights United’s classic problem: expensive recruitment without thorough long-term planning. If INEOS really wants to rebuild the club’s foundations, the Ugarte case should be an important lesson so that similar mistakes are not repeated.