Ruben Neves officially signs contract

Manchester United’s midfield needs have been a recurring theme this season.

United supporters have watched closely as the club’s interest in big‑name midfield reinforcements has remained a constant talking point.

With Casemiro’s departure confirmed and Bruno Fernandes’ future still uncertain, the desire for stability in the engine room has intensified.

The Red Devils held interest in a number of established operators, particularly those with Premier League experience who could seamlessly slot into the squad.

Behind the scenes there were even whispers that one seasoned Portugal international might be available for a winter swoop as United explored various midfield options in the market.

Now one standout name in that discussion has taken a major decision.

Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves has put pen to paper on a contract extension with Al‑Hilal, as announced on their website, committing himself to three years until 2029 after signing the deal this Wednesday at the club’s headquarters in Riyadh.

The 28‑year‑old has been a linchpin in Al‑Hilal’s midfield since joining from Wolves for a reported £47 million in 2023, helping the Saudi Pro League giants secure a host of silverware including the King’s Cup, the Roshn Saudi League title, two Saudi Super Cups and the Riyadh Season Cup.

Beyond domestic success, Ruben Neves played a key role in Al‑Hilal’s impressive run at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where the team reached the quarter‑final stage and came close to toppling European heavyweights along the way.

His performances in Saudi Arabia have been widely praised.

But it was his ongoing availability in the transfer market, with his contract originally set to expire in the summer of 2026, that had put Manchester United firmly on red alert, with INEOS understood to have monitored his situation closely amid their midfield rebuilding plans.

Neves had been repeatedly linked with a return to the Premier League in recent windows, with United among the clubs reported to have made informal enquiries about his availability as they sought experienced midfield reinforcement.

That potential exit route had been seen as a rare opportunity for United to snap up a technically gifted, tactically intelligent midfielder at a relatively reasonable fee, given his expiring contract.

However, Al‑Hilal’s success in convincing the Portugal international to remain has now closed a chapter on that possibility, forcing United to reassess their strategy and look elsewhere to strengthen central areas.