Ruben Neves has been linked with a shock return to the Premier League – but journalist David Ornstein has now reported the former Wolves captain will be staying at Al Hilal beyond January.
Wolves fans bid farewell to Neves in the summer after the Portuguese had spent six years at Molineux.
The maestro was expected to depart, but few foresaw him joining Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal for £47 million at the start of the window.
It was a move that drew a lot of criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Just recently, there had been some talk about Neves making a sensational return to the Premier League just months after his Wolves exit, with Newcastle United said to be keen given Sandro Tonali has been banned from playing for 10 months for violating better rules. Arsenal have been mentioned too, as have Tottenham Hotspur.
But it looks as though Wolves fans will not have to watch Neves playing for another Premier League club, at least for a little while longer…
David Ornstein gives update on former Wolves captain Ruben Neves amid recent transfer speculation
This morning, respected journalist David Ornstein has taken to X, formerly Twitter, to give an update on Neves.
He says that the 26-year-old is not expected to depart Al Hilal in the coming transfer window. He wrote: “Ruben Neves set to stay at Al Hilal in January window. Regardless of PL vote on associated party loans, as things stand 26yo not expected to leave. No approaches or talks yet + Portugal midfielder happy, settled, crucial to #AlHilal.”
In a report for The Athletic, Ornstein adds that there is a ‘firm expectation’ that Neves will remain at the club until at least the end of the season. There have not yet been any approaches or offers for him.
The ‘PL vote’ Ornstein is referring to is a vote for Premier League clubs about related party deals. The vote will decide whether loan deals between associated clubs should be blocked. For example, Newcastle are owned by PIF, which also owns four clubs in Saudi.
Should 14 clubs vote for the ban, the Magpies would not be able to loan in Neves, as has been spoken about for a few weeks now. The vote takes place today.
But it looks as though Neves won’t be on the move regardless of which way the vote goes.
A relief for Wolves fans
