Tottenham Hotspur News

Home

Quizzes

Newsletter

Ruben Neves of Portugal seen in action during European World Cup Qualifiers 2026 football match between Hungary and Portugal at Puskas Arena. Final score; Hungary 2 : 3 Portugal. (Photo by Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

‘A player of genuine interest’ to Thomas Frank could cost Tottenham as little as €25M

Originally posted on the Boy Hotspur | By The Boy | Last updated Sep 17, 2025 4:50 AM ET

Rúben Neves could be shaping up to be one of the standout names of the upcoming January transfer window. The Portuguese midfielder joined Al-Hilal from Wolverhampton in the summer of 2023 for €55 million. While he’s delivered a consistent first season in Saudi Arabia, sources close to the club suggest Neves is open to offers and keen on a return to European football. His contract runs until 2026, but a mid-season move isn’t entirely off the table.

Neves has adapted well to the Saudi Pro League, scoring crucial goals (including in the 2025 AFC Champions League) and forming a strong partnership with teammates like João Cancelo. Al-Hilal won the league title in 2023–24 and remains dominant, but Neves has hinted at European ambitions.

A Portugal stalwart with 36 caps, Neves featured prominently in Euro 2024 and Nations League matches. In August 2025, he was included in Roberto Martínez’s squad alongside Tottenham’s João Palhinha, sparking minor fan chatter about a potential Premier League reunion. He even scored in a penalty shoot out for Portugal in June 2025, helping secure a title.

Clubs in the mix for Neves

Manchester United have reignited their interest, looking for a midfield leader with top-tier passing ability. Incoming manager Rúben Amorim is said to be a fan, having worked with Neves during his time at Sporting and believing he is a good fit for the system. The Boy Hotspur understands that, internally, Neves is believed to be a player of genuine interest to Thomas Frank.

A formal bid in January is possible, although Al-Hilal is unlikely to entertain offers around €20 million, given their initial investment.

Newcastle United are also in the mix. Neves could form a strong partnership with Bruno Guimarães, and the Saudi ownership link might ease negotiations. Tottenham, meanwhile, are searching for a midfield distributor with leadership qualities—Neves’ Premier League experience makes him a natural fit.

Tottenham’s midfield has been a focal point in recent seasons, with players like Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr showing promise but occasional inconsistencies in deeper roles. Neves’ skill set—elite ball-winning (averaging 2.5 tackles per game at Wolves), long-range passing, and leadership—could complement Spurs’ high-pressing style.

The need for this type of player at Spurs still exists

Under Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham sought midfield reinforcements, and Neves’ versatility (able to play as a No. 6 or deeper-lying playmaker) fit the profile. Fans and analysts praised his Premier League experience, passing range (he ranks highly in progressive passes among midfielders), and composure under pressure. However, by summer 2023, Neves had already committed to Al-Hilal, citing the financial security and a desire for a new challenge after rejecting bids from Arsenal, Manchester United, and Barcelona.

A return to England is gaining momentum, and Neves could become one of the key movers this winter. Without Daniel Levy in place, being 28 years of age may not be an issue, and for footballing reasons, if the right price were to be brokered, this could be an excellent addition.

This article first appeared on the Boy Hotspur and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: