Manchester United Eye Cut-Price Deal for Ex-Premier League Star to Solve Midfield Woes

Ruben Neves (L) is a transfer target for Manchester United. Image: Imago

Manchester United Eye Cut-Price Deal for Ex-Premier League Star to Solve Midfield Woes

Joel Omotto 08:58 - 19.12.2025

Man United have reportedly set sights on a former Premier League midfielder who could be available for free next summer as they look for reinforcements in the middle of the pack.

Former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves has surfaced as a potential January transfer target for Manchester United, with the Portuguese international reportedly eager to return to the Premier League.

Neves moved to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal in 2023 in a £47 million deal but could be available for a cut-price fee of around £20 million next month. With his contract expiring in the summer, the Saudi club is reportedly willing to sanction his departure.

Manchester United are actively searching for a defensive midfielder amid uncertainty surrounding several key players. Casemiro has been linked with a move to the MLS when his contract ends on June 30, while Manuel Ugarte is drawing interest from Turkish clubs after making only two Premier League starts this season.

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Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo is expected to push for a move again in January after the club blocked his loan request to Napoli in August.

Man United Keen to Avoid ‘Panic Buys’

Ruben Neves was colossal for Wolves in their 3-0 demolition of Liverpool

Club insiders have indicated that United will avoid "panic buys" in the winter window, focusing instead on deals that could be brought forward from their summer plans. Other midfielders under consideration include Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Conor Gallagher, Carlos Baleba, Tyler Adams, and Joao Gomes.

Although Neves, who will be 29 in March, is older than many other targets, his six years of Premier League experience with Wolves make him an attractive option. While there is no official confirmation of United's interest, the former Porto star has also been linked with Newcastle United.

This development follows Al-Hilal's bold attempt to sign Bruno Fernandes last summer. The Saudi club may renew their interest at the end of the season, especially after the United captain recently expressed his disappointment that the club had considered selling him for over £100 million.