BREAKING: Chelsea Determined to Thwart Manchester United’s Move as Ruben Neves Emerges as Key Target
Manchester United’s transfer plans have reportedly sparked concern among rival clubs, with strong warnings emerging about the potential impact of one particular signing.
There is growing belief in certain quarters that if United succeed in landing this player, they could become a dominant force in the Premier League.
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior is said to be especially determined to prevent that scenario, vowing to do everything possible to block United’s move as his club prepares to increase their own offer.
According to a report from Record (page 25), Manchester United now have a clear pathway to sign Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves after Real Madrid officially stepped away from the race.
This development has handed the Red Devils a significant advantage as they look to reinforce their midfield during the winter transfer window.
United are understood to be prioritizing midfield reinforcements, and Neves has emerged as one of their leading targets. The situation has been further boosted by Madrid’s decision to withdraw their interest.
The Spanish giants had been linked with a potential January move for the Portuguese international, but club president Florentino Pérez has reportedly ruled out any mid-season signings.
The absence of a permanent head coach at the Bernabéu has played a major role in that decision, effectively removing Madrid from contention.
Neves’ current contract with Al-Hilal is set to expire at the end of the season, and Madrid are unwilling to pay a transfer fee for a player who could be available for free in the summer.
This stance has opened the door for Manchester United, who are reportedly prepared to offer around £17 million to secure the midfielder’s services before the campaign concludes.
The 28-year-old is widely regarded as a proven, high-quality operator. During his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Neves established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable and technically gifted defensive midfielders.
His composure, tactical intelligence, and long-range passing made him a standout performer, and at one point in 2023, he was strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford. Instead, he opted for a £47 million transfer to Al-Hilal.
Now, however, the Saudi club are reassessing Neves’ long-term future. If contract renewal talks fail to progress, Al-Hilal could be open to selling him during the current transfer window to avoid losing him for nothing.
A late move before the deadline is considered a real possibility if fresh terms are not agreed.
Manchester United’s interest is no secret, and a formal approach could arrive in the coming days. At present, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are the club’s primary options in the defensive midfield role.
However, Ugarte has struggled to cement his place, delivering inconsistent performances and drawing criticism for his positional discipline. Casemiro, meanwhile, is set to leave in the summer.
Although he has still produced several strong displays, the 33-year-old no longer has the stamina or fitness to consistently complete full matches.
With Champions League qualification firmly in their sights, United are in urgent need of added quality and depth in midfield. Neves fits that profile perfectly.
His familiarity with English football, ability to play both as a holding midfielder and in a deeper central role, and blend of defensive steel with creative passing would make him an ideal addition.
Considering his experience and pedigree, securing him for around £17 million would represent exceptional value and a potentially transformative signing for the Red Devils.
