Red Devils want to strengthen midfield in January transfer window. Portuguese star from Al-Hilal is the main target, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes could leave soon. Manchester United are actively contacting the player according to three independent sources. The Old Trafford club are searching for a new midfielder to strengthen the centre of the pitch and gradually replace ageing stars.
After Casemiro (33) and Bruno Fernandes (31), the Red Devils are looking for successors. Ruben Neves, the Portugal international, could be the ideal choice. However, his weekly wage of £410,000 is a high obstacle for most European clubs.
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Manchester United have initiated contact with Al-Hilal
Manchester United's interest in Neves was first announced by portal CaughtOffside, which stated that “certain contacts” had already taken place between the club and the player's entourage. Besides the Red Devils, Newcastle and Tottenham are also reportedly interested in the Portuguese midfielder.
Neves, who made his name in the Premier League in the Wolverhampton shirt, moved to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in 2023. His contract expires in summer 2026 and according to reports he could leave for just €20m (£17m). “His weekly wage of £410,000 is however too high for most top European clubs,” CaughtOffside warns.
Portal Fichajes later reported that United are accelerating their “pursuit of Ruben Neves”, having shown renewed interest after an unsuccessful attempt to sign him in summer 2025.
Ruben Neves weighing up his options
Journalist Graeme Bailey stated for United In Focus:
“Ruben Neves still remains on Manchester United's radar. The club know about his situation, that he could be available in 2026, but Al-Hilal are trying to sign him to a long-term contract. United are monitoring him and are being kept informed, but the same applies to more than half a dozen other midfielders. Neves could be one of the options for January, but for now he is weighing up his options.”
Neves has rich Premier League experience. For Wolverhampton he played 253 matches, scored 30 goals and recorded 13 assists. At Al-Hilal he has 12 goals and 25 assists in 104 matches.
Who else is on Manchester United's radar?
United are also considering other options in their search for midfield reinforcements. According to reporter Fraser Fletcher, the main targets for 2026 are Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Elliott Anderson (Nottingham Forest) and Carlos Baleba (Brighton and Hove Albion).
The total investment in the midfielder trio is expected to reach £250m. The club are working on a complete overhaul of the midfield as part of manager Ruben Amorim's team reconstruction.
This article was originally published on Fotbal Portal.
