In the hearts of many Wolves fans lies a deep fondness for Ruben Neves, the Portuguese midfield maestro who bid farewell to Molineux after a remarkable six-year tenure to embark on a new journey with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
Amid intense speculations surrounding Neves’ future ahead of the transfer window, the anticipation was high for a potential move to a prestigious Champions League outfit. The likes of Barcelona and Arsenal were rumored to be keen suitors for his signature.
However, Wolves surprised many by offloading Neves to Al-Hilal for a hefty £47 million fee, a decision that played a pivotal role in their quest to generate substantial profits compliant with PSR regulations.
Criticism ensued over Neves’ choice to venture into the Saudi league, with skeptics questioning his ambition. Yet, the midfielder swiftly silenced his naysayers with an impressive performance in his new surroundings.
Despite the backlash surrounding his move, Neves remained unfazed and committed to representing Portugal on the international stage post his departure from Wolves. While his decision to join Al-Hilal raised eyebrows, he continued to feature prominently for his national team, showcasing his prowess in midfield.
In a testament to his talent and adaptability, Neves seamlessly transitioned to the Portuguese squad, making notable contributions in matches and solidifying his position within the national setup. His recent performances on the field have underscored his enduring commitment to excelling on both domestic and international fronts, dispelling concerns about the impact of his transfer on his career trajectory.
Neves took a gamble, but it’s paying off. His transfer to Al-Hilal happened swiftly in the end.
The Saudi club surprised everyone with a lucrative offer out of nowhere, and Wolves, facing financial strains, were eager to make the deal.
In a heartfelt video, Neves bid farewell to Wolves fans, revealing his genuine sorrow in leaving. It was a decision he felt compelled to make.
The financial rewards in Saudi were too significant for him to decline the opportunity.
Neves, once praised as ‘brilliant’ by Max Kilman, understood the risk of potentially losing his spot in the Portugal team due to his move. We’ve seen how managers like Ronald Koeman stopped calling up players who moved to similar leagues.
Despite the initial concerns, Neves has excelled in Saudi, with seven goals and 15 assists in 57 matches.
Fortunately, Roberto Martinez supported Neves’ move, indicating that his performance would determine his national team selection.
Since joining Al-Hilal, he has contributed to the team’s success, securing four trophies, including the league title in 2023/24.
Undoubtedly, Neves has silenced his critics with his performance.
