Manchester United Step Up Pursuit of Rúben Neves Amid January Transfer Buz
Manchester United are reportedly intensifying their efforts to sign Rúben Neves, with internal discussions said to be underway as the club plans for the January transfer window.
The 28-year-old Portuguese midfielder, currently at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, has emerged as a serious target as United look to reinforce their midfield with experience, leadership, and tactical intelligence.
Neves’ situation in Saudi Arabia has become a key factor driving the speculation.
According to reports, the former Wolves captain has reached a stalemate in contract negotiations with Al-Hilal and has refused to sign an extension.
While his current deal runs until June 2026, the lack of progress has raised concerns within the club that they could eventually lose him for free if no agreement is reached. As a result, Al-Hilal are believed to be open to selling him sooner rather than later.
To avoid that risk, the Saudi champions are reportedly willing to sanction a cut-price transfer in January, with figures between £15 million and £20 million being mentioned.
Such a fee would be considered a bargain for a player of Neves’ pedigree — a midfielder with extensive Premier League experience, Champions League exposure, and a reputation as one of Europe’s finest long-range shooters.
Crucially for Manchester United, Neves is said to be keen on a return to European football. Despite enjoying success and financial rewards in Saudi Arabia, the midfielder reportedly wants to compete again at the highest level.
To facilitate that move, he is allegedly willing to take a significant pay cut, an important detail given United’s increased focus on wage structure and financial sustainability.
The reported connection to Ruben Amorim adds another layer of intrigue.
Amorim, who previously worked with Neves in the Portuguese football ecosystem and shares similar tactical principles, is seen as a coach who could maximise the midfielder’s strengths. Neves’ ability to dictate tempo, play progressive passes, and provide defensive cover would fit well in a system that values structure, pressing discipline, and intelligent positioning.
From United’s perspective, the appeal is clear. The club have struggled with midfield balance, consistency, and leadership in recent seasons.
Neves offers a blend of composure and aggression, as well as a strong tactical understanding of the Premier League — something that reduces adaptation risk compared to younger or overseas targets.
However, the deal is far from guaranteed.
United are expected to face competition from other European clubs monitoring Neves’ contract situation, and any move will still depend on broader squad planning, outgoings, and financial priorities in January. There is also the question of timing: whether United move now at a reduced fee or wait until later, when Neves could become an even more attractive free-transfer option.
For now, the headlines suggest momentum is building. With contract uncertainty, a willing seller, and a player open to compromise, the Rúben Neves story is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing midfield narratives heading into the January window.
