Ruben Neves found himself in a pivotal moment last summer as he entered the final year of his contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Expressing his desire to compete for trophies, the midfielder attracted attention from top clubs across Europe.
Ultimately, it was Al Hilal who secured Neves’ signature with a hefty £47 million deal. However, Neves revealed that he was close to staying in Europe, hinting at potential moves to Barcelona and Arsenal.
Despite the allure of these clubs, as well as interest from another unnamed club outside England, Neves ultimately opted for Al Hilal due to the missed opportunities in Europe.
Reflecting on his decision, Neves admitted feeling saddened by the failed transfers but saw the move to Al Hilal as a golden opportunity.
While acknowledging the possibility of a return to Europe in the future, Neves emphasized his commitment to his current venture in the Middle East.
He asserted that playing in Saudi Arabia does not diminish his abilities or aspirations, expressing confidence in the league’s potential to become one of the world’s best within two years.
With a pragmatic outlook, Neves highlighted the high quality of players in the Saudi Pro League and the league’s potential for growth.
He envisioned a future where Saudi Arabia boasts one of the most important football leagues globally, driven by top-tier foreign talent and competitive teams.
Neves indicated his willingness to stay in Saudi Arabia for the foreseeable future, aiming to contribute to the league’s development and success.
In his tenure at Al Hilal, Neves has proven his worth with four goals and six assists in 28 appearances, helping the team maintain a seven-point lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.
