Manchester United, nicknamed the "Red Devils," is reportedly given the chance to sign a championship-winning player for only £18 million.
The Times, a prominent English media outlet, reported that Manchester United, a Premier League giant, has the opportunity to sign Ruben Neves, the Portuguese international midfielder playing for Al Hilal, a top club in the Saudi Arabian league, at a reduced price during the upcoming January transfer window.
Neves, 28, is in his third season with Al Hilal after transferring from Wolverhampton for £47 million in 2023. He helped his team win both the league and cup titles last season and remains a key figure in their midfield this season. However, Neves has declined a contract extension, with his current deal set to expire at the end of this season.
According to The Times, Neves wishes to return to the English Premier League, and Al Hilal is considering selling him in the January transfer window as a last chance to recoup a transfer fee; if they wait until his contract expires, they would receive nothing.
The report also states that Al Hilal has lowered Neves's asking price to just £18 million and has offered Manchester United the chance to acquire the player.
Meanwhile, Manchester United under Ruben Amorim is looking for a new defensive midfielder and plans to release Manuel Ugarte. Additionally, Kobby Mensah may leave Old Trafford on loan due to limited playing time, and Casemiro's contract is set to expire next summer. Therefore, midfield is a priority position for both United and Amorim, but whether they choose Neves remains to be seen.
Neves was also part of the Portuguese national team that won the UEFA Nations League in 2018-19 and 2023-24.