Man United-linked Ruben Neves finalises personal terms as announcement made

Ruben Neves has reached an agreement to stay with Al Hilal, despite strong winter links to Man United.

Man United were interested in a move for Neves, but ultimately opted against making an official bid for the former Wolves man.

The 28-year-old joined the Saudi Pro League in a big-money deal in 2023 and had reportedly been keen on returning to the Premier League.

Al Hilal were expected to accept around £20million for Neves, with his original contract set to expire this summer.

But Neves entered talks over a new contract with Al Hilal in January, and those conversations appear to have moved to a positive conclusion.

Ruben Neves ends Man United speculation

Neves had been particularly strongly linked with a move to Man United when Ruben Amorim was still in charge.

The Portuguese manager was not keen on using Kobbie Mainoo, and was expected to seek a replacement for the midfielder in January.

On paper, Neves appeared the perfect option. The 28-year-old was excellent during his time in the Premier League and would be available on a cut-price deal, considering his contract situation.

And that is not to mention the incredible form Neves has been in this season, scoring eight goals and providing five assists in just 17 Saudi Pro League games.

However, Amorim was denied the chance to put his plan into action when he was dismissed by Man United at the start of January.

Under his temporary, for now, replacement, Michael Carrick, Mainoo has returned to the team and excelled in wins over Man City, Arsenal, and Fulham.

With Man United now off the table, Al Hilal have announced that Neves has signed a new contract at the club, which will keep him there until 2029.

Neves has already laid out his future plans

There was no surprise that Neves garnered the reported £47m fee it took Al Hilal to sign him from Wolves in 2023.

The midfielder had been superb in the Premier League, and the only shock was that he had not chosen to wait for the interest of clubs within England.

Even with Man United’s interest going away, the midfielder could have had a potential return on the cards had he kept his options open this summer.

However, an interview in August revealed that the priorities for his future lie elsewhere – a return to his boyhood club, Porto.

“Fortunately, I’m 28 years old and I feel very good physically,” he told Sport TV. “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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