Al-Hilal star Ruben Neves is considering his future as Tottenham register interest in his services
Tottenham managed to bring in some high-profile players in the summer following their Europa League success. The Lilywhites were clearly aiming to back Thomas Frank in the transfer window by addressing various issues on the pitch. For a change, the North London club actually managed to end the summer on a positive note as they clearly gave the Danish tactician a solid team for this season.
However, the North London club failed to address the issues in the middle of the park. Spurs signed Joao Palhinha to operate in the #6 role under Thomas Frank. But they failed to bring in a backup option in case the Portugal international was to be rested in the upcoming games. The drop-off in quality once Palhinha gets rested is staggering, with the Lilywhites not having a player of the same calibre in their ranks.
The only other holding midfielder that can naturally operate in the #6 role is Yves Bissouma. However, it is common knowledge now that the Mali international has fallen down the pecking order under Thomas Frank after a series of disciplinary issues. Not only that, but the 28-year-old is also been left out of the Champions League squad for this season by the Danish tactician.
Tottenham plotting a January move for Al-Hilal star Ruben Neves
There is no surprise Tottenham are planning to make a move for a new holding midfielder in January. With Yves Bissouma likely to be heading for the exit doors at N17 in the coming months, bringing in a replacement to fill the void left behind by Malian will be seen as a priority for the Lilywhites in the winter transfer window.
As per The Daily Briefing, Spurs are keeping tabs on Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves. The Portugal international has spent the last two years in Saudi Arabia, but he is keen to return to the Premier League and make his name in England again. The report also states that the Saudi giants are open to sell the 28-year-old in the coming months, provided the asking price of £17m is met for his services.
Also, Ruben Neves will surely be a shrewd signing by Tottenham. The Portugal international was considered to be one of the best midfielders in the Premier League during his time at Wolves. And it is fair to say that he has immense talent and potential to replicate the same form once he joins Spurs in the winter.
Neves thrives in the #6 role, but he can occasionally play as a #8 as well. He thrives in breaking up opposition play in the middle of the park, whilst also playing a forward pass to attack during transitions. The 28-year-old’s set-piece delivery is dangerous, and he also tends to get involved in the final third of the pitch regularly, scoring an occasional here and there.
All-in-all, signing Ruben Neves will surely elevate the quality of the squad going forward. And he will also provide much-needed depth in the middle of the park for Spurs.