Manchester United fans are pleased as the club contacts a "playmaker," hoping to complete the Red Devils' lineup.
On 30 December 2025 GMT+7, Fabrizio Romano, a football transfer expert, revealed that Premier League club Manchester United has begun efforts to sign Ruben Neves, the Portuguese national team midfielder, back to play in England.
Ruben Neves, aged 28, moved unexpectedly from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Al Hilal in the Saudi league in 2023. However, his contract is set to expire at the end of this season, making a return to a top European league highly likely.
Recently, Fabrizio Romano reported that Manchester United has initiated moves to acquire Ruben Neves, as the club has long sought to strengthen its midfield. They currently face a shortage in creative midfield roles after captain Bruno Fernandes was injured and will be sidelined for several months.
Romano stated that Manchester United's transfer executives have engaged in multiple discussions with Ruben Neves' agent about various possibilities. Earlier reports suggested a potential January transfer in the winter window for around £20 million.
However, Romano added that Manchester United has yet to start formal negotiations with Al Hilal, Neves' current club, and has not made an official offer for the former Wolverhampton playmaker.
Ruben Neves possesses qualities Manchester United desires, including playmaking ability, long-range shooting, experience, and leadership. He played 253 matches for Wolverhampton, scoring 30 goals and providing 13 assists before moving to Al Hilal, where he has appeared in 108 games, scoring 14 goals and assisting 25 times.
