Newcastle United Are Eyeing A Move For This Talented Midfielder: Decent Option For Howe? | OneFootball

In a recent print edition, O Jogo stated that Newcastle United are eyeing a move for Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves. It is understood that the Magpies are hoping to bring the Portugal international back to the Premier League next year.

Neves’ Impressive Spell In Saudi Arabia

Neves is having a good spell in Saudi Arabia as he has put in a few influential displays at the heart of Al-Hilal’s attack. The Portuguese midfielder has scored one goal and picked up one assist in 14 appearances for the Saudi outfit this season across various competitions.

The 26-year-old proved his worth as a consistent performer in the Premier League during his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, Neves is under contract at Al-Hilal until the summer of 2026. Thus, the Magpies will have to launch a big offer if they are serious about bringing him back to England next year.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Ruben Neves of Al Hilal looks on prior to the match between Al-Hilal and Riyadh at Prince Faisal Bin Fahad on September 15, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Is Neves A Decent Option For Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe?

Neves is a solid tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to earn the ball back for his side when he is playing well at the centre of the park. He is a tidy passer of the ball and can shoot the ball with venom and precision from long range.

The Portuguese talent is a decent dribbler with the ball as well but can be a bit slow to react to the danger.

Neves already knows the Premier League well from his time at Wolves and would no doubt be a worthy addition to Newcastle‘s squad. He is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also serve as a box-to-box midfielder if asked to do so by his manager.

We can expect Neves to inject more bite and steel into Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe’s midfield. He is good enough to help the Tyneside challenge across all fronts in the coming seasons.

Hence, the Magpies would be wise to move in for him this winter or at the end of this campaign. At 26, Neves has his best years ahead of him which makes him a decent option for the Tyneside club to consider in 2024. He might even serve as an ideal, short-term replacement for Sandro Tonali who is facing a spell on the sidelines.