Manchester United has made a decisive statement in the January transfer window by securing a high-profile midfield addition, reportedly outmaneuvering Chelsea in the process.
The club confirmed that their £50 million target has arrived at Manchester Carrington for a medical following the signing of a five-year contract last night.
According to Spanish media reports, the Red Devils have been actively pursuing Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, further signaling their intent to strengthen the center of the park as part of a wider rebuild.
The timing of this acquisition comes on the back of an inspired performance against Manchester City at Old Trafford over the weekend.
Despite having only three days to prepare a squad featuring several new arrivals, caretaker manager Michael Carrick orchestrated a tactical masterclass.
The Red Devils dismantled their local rivals with a 2-0 victory that, in the eyes of many observers, could easily have been by a wider margin. Pep Guardiola’s side rarely threatened in front of goal, with Senne Lammens largely untested.
Carrick’s bold switch to a 4-2-3-1 system, moving Bruno Fernandes into a central No. 10 role alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro in midfield, provided much-needed stability and cohesion that had been missing under Ruben Amorim’s previous 3-4-2-1 setup.
While the victory highlighted the potential of United’s emerging midfield, it also underscored the squad’s lack of depth in central areas. Manuel Ugarte remained the only senior option on the bench, emphasizing the urgency of further reinforcements.
With Casemiro’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, United have been planning a summer overhaul of their midfield options, and the move for Neves now appears to be an accelerated part of that strategy.
According to Fichajes, the club has tabled a formal offer of approximately €23 million to Al-Hilal to secure the Portugal international’s services.
With Neves’ contract running until June, the Saudi side is faced with the prospect of losing one of their key performers on a free transfer if they do not act, making the financial incentive to sell substantial.
Neves brings a wealth of experience from his time in Europe and the Saudi Pro League. Over 253 appearances for Wolves, he registered 30 goals, 13 assists, and 62 yellow cards, demonstrating both his ability to contribute offensively and his combative presence in midfield.
At Al-Hilal, the 28-year-old has been a pivotal figure, helping his team to an eight-point lead at the top of the league after 15 matches, with the club still unbeaten.
Despite their dominant position, the financial and strategic benefits of accepting United’s offer have reportedly prompted serious consideration from the Saudi club.
This signing represents more than just a tactical acquisition; it signals Manchester United’s intent to revamp the midfield, balancing youth with proven experience.
With Neves now set to join the squad, the club has not only strengthened a previously vulnerable area but also demonstrated its ability to act decisively in the transfer market.
For Carrick and the Red Devils, the arrival of a player of Neves’ quality could be pivotal in sustaining their recent momentum and providing depth, creativity, and leadership in central midfield for the remainder of the season and beyond.
