Manchester United‘s top priority during this January transfer window is to strengthen their midfield. A long-standing target of the English club is now being linked with Real Madrid.
Just three points behind Chelsea, who sit fourth in the Premier League, Manchester United are still targeting Champions League qualification. A completely achievable objective, but one that will require improving the squad through the transfer market, particularly in midfield, an area where Ruben Amorim is desperately short of options. Several players have been tracked for weeks ahead of the January window, including Ruben Neves.
Ruben Neves makes Real Madrid his priority
The Al-Hilal midfielder's contract expires next June and Manchester United wanted to take advantage of his contractual situation to sign him on the cheap this winter. An offer of €15-20m (£13-17.5m) has been mentioned. While the Portuguese has been reported to be very close to joining the Red Devils by the English press, Sami Al-Jaber told MBC that Ruben Neves actually has a strong chance of joining Real Madrid when his contract expires.
“I fear that Neves will leave Al-Hilal for Real Madrid for free when his contract expires at the end of this season. Several Premier League clubs want to sign him and are offering him three-year contracts, until he turns 31. Real Madrid are also interested, and I am certain that other clubs are after him,” said the Saudi club legend, now a manager, regarding Ruben Neves, who has been at Al-Hilal since summer 2023.
Blow for Manchester United
Real Madrid are also looking for midfield reinforcements, but unlike Manchester United, Los Blancos can easily wait until the end of the season to secure Ruben Neves' services for free. The Portugal international (63 caps, one goal) would be an excellent signing for Xabi Alonso, helping to rebalance the midfield. A major blow for the English club, who could fall back on Adam Wharton as an alternative.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
