Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves is eyeing a return to the Premier League in January amid Tottenham interest
Tottenham Hotspur are looking to strengthen their midfield in the upcoming transfer window. They focused heavily on attacking reinforcements during the summer, bringing in Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, and Randal Kolo Muani whilst turning Mathys Tel’s loan from Bayern Munich into a permanent deal.
Despite the addition of some rich attacking talents, the Lilywhites failed to address one blatant weakness on the pitch, which continues to worry Thomas Frank. Spurs did not secure a deep-lying playmaker, someone who knows to dictate the tempo of play as well as screen the backline.
Presently, Thomas Frank is relying on Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur to carry out that task. While the partnership of Palhinha and Bentancur have brought stability to the midfield, they have not been able to constantly dictate the tempo of games for the north London giants.
Tottenham target Ruben Neves could be available for just €20m in January
As per recent reports, Tottenham have shown an interest in signing Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves. The Portuguese international wants to leave Al-Hilal and return to Europe in 2026.
Ruben Neves was a strong performer for Wolverhampton Wanderers for several years. He played an instrumental role in Wolves’ promotion to the Premier League back in 2018. The midfielder racked up 30 goals and 13 assists in 253 appearances during his six-year stay with Wolves, before leaving for Al-Hilal in 2023.
The 28-year-old has won multiple trophies with Al-Hilal, including the Saudi Pro League title. Neves’ performances have been impressive in the Middle East, which has put him on the radar of several European clubs.
Now, according to CaughtOffside’s Daily Briefing, Neves could be available for as little as €20m in January as he enters the final six months of his contract at Al-Hilal. He is keen on a return to the Premier League, with clubs such as Tottenham, Newcastle United and Manchester United vying for his signature. However, the defensive midfielder’s £410,000-a-week at Al-Hilal could prove a stumbling block for several European outfits.
Neves would need to take heavy wage cut to join Tottenham
From Tottenham’s perspective, a move for Neves would make sense. Yves Bissouma is out of contract at the end of the season and his potential departure next year would weaken the squad, even though he’s yet to play this term. And Neves with his skill-set and experience would be an astute possible replacement for Bissouma in Thomas Frank’s squad.
But the Portuguese earns a staggering £410,000-a-week at Al-Hilal, and for a move to Spurs to transpire, he’d need to take a hefty wage cut. There is no way Vinai Venkatesham will break the club’s strict wage policy to sign him. So, if Neves shows his desire to join Frank’s club by reducing his wage demands, a move could happen in the winter window. And for a player of his experienced and quality, the Lilywhites spending €20m would represent a bargain.