- Ruben Neves to be loaned out of Al Hilal by January
- Newcastle is interested, but new potential rules may stop the move
- Arsenal has also been notified of his availability
In the summer 2023, the Portuguese international joined the ranks of Premier League players who felt the Saudi Arabian riches were just too good to pass up. The move is arguably the most significant for the Saudi Pro League, given that he was in his prime years at the time and had been a target for several top European clubs.
Neves played in the Premier League during his prime and had been linked to Manchester United, Barcelona and other clubs for a possible move.
The two best Premier League teams are now seriously considering bringing back the Portuguese midfielder to England. Here’s an in-depth look at Neves’ options.
Newcastle
Ruben Neves scored twice in his first game for the new team. / Yasser Bahsh/Getty Images
In the weeks and days following Neves’ move to Al Hilal, there was discussion about an upcoming loan from Newcastle. This would have caused a lot of anger due to the ownership by the Saudi government and Newcastle and their control over Al Hilal as well as three other teams.
They are still interested, however. Neves is a good replacement for Sandro Tonati while he serves a gambling ban. Newcastle would have a very easy time negotiating, but rule changes could make it difficult.
At the next shareholder’s meeting, there will be a voting by Premier League clubs on a proposed ban on player loan transfers in the Premier League. Newcastle may be prohibited from lending Neves to Al Hilal by January’s transfer window. Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund has 80% of Newcastle and also controls four Saudi Pro League teams – Al Hilal Al Nassr Al Ittihad Al Ahli.
Arsenal
Ruben Neves remains a regular player for Portugal/Gualter Fatia/GettyImages
The major obstacle that will be in the way of Newcastle’s deal with Neves means that Arsenal can swoop down and make a deal.
Edu, the sporting director of Arsenal’s football team, has been a fan of Neves for a very long time and believes that he is an ideal solution to Thomas Partey’s fitness issues. Neves would accelerate Partey’s departure from Arsenal.
Neves has been a player who angered Arsenal supporters in the past. He said that after a late victory for Arsenal in Molineux, February 2022: “We watched the celebration and it shows how we’re doing.” It was the first time I’ve seen Arsenal celebrate like that in the last ten years. They looked like they had won the championship.
The game continued until Arsenal’s return match at Emirates Stadium, where they won with an own goal by Jose Sa. Mikel Arteta told the players to be happy for every win. You can see how hard it is to win football games in this sport. “Our supporters are all the same. Every time we win, we should be celebrating because you can see the sad faces when we lose or draw.”
This will all be forgotten if Neves is loaned to Arsenal. It shouldn’t take long to resolve.
90min Understands that Neves has expressed a strong interest in joining Arsenal, but is just one of the many midfielders the Gunners have their eyes on. Arsenal have been linked to Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa, Fluminense’s Andre and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, as well as Joao Nves from Benfica.
Tottenham
Ruben Neves could be one of the many players who leave Saudi Pro League in the near future / Yasser Bahsh/Getty Images
Tottenham has also been reported to be interested in Neves, as they face the possibility of losing their two midfielders starting at the Africa Cup of Nations beginning 2024.
Ange Postecoglou will have to cope with a lack of midfielders for the next six weeks. Neves could help limit the impact, and would not cost a lot of money.
Neves will find it attractive that he can play immediately upon joining and this could be a positive for Tottenham.
