Mercato Barça: Ruben Neves close to signing for Saudi Arabia
Having reached the end of his contract at Wolverhampton in 2024 and long rumoured to be in Barcelona's sights, Ruben Neves is finally heading for Saudi Arabia.
Big news from Matteo Moretto, an Italian journalist working for Spanish media outlet Relevo. According to this source, Saudi club Al-Hilal have reached an agreement with Wolverhampton for the transfer of Portuguese international midfielder Ruben Neves (26). The transfer is valued at 55 million euros.
Rúben Neves a Arabia, los detalles de un fichaje al caer.
— Matteo Moretto (@MatteMoretto) June 18, 2023
Acuerdo entre clubes por 55 millones de euros. @relevo https://t.co/de8bmS2fJx
The deal was subsequently confirmed in England by a number of media outlets, from The Athletic to Sky Sports and the BBC. All these sources confirm that Ruben Neves is enthusiastic about the idea of joining the Saudi club, with whom a contractual agreement should be reached shortly.
An old Barça lead in midfield
Ruben Neves had been rumoured to be in Barça's sights for several years, and was still being targeted this summer. However, as had been rumoured in Spain, it was mainly his super-agent Jorge Mendes who dreamed of bringing him to Barcelona, initially in a swap deal with Ansu Fati.
But the Spanish international refused the deal, and Xavi Hernandez never pushed for Ruben Neves, preferring other options to strengthen his midfield. Barring any new developments, Ruben Neves is set to leave the Premier League for Saudi Arabia.