One of Manchester United’s top midfield targets has now been tipped to join Real Madrid in 2026.
With Bruno Fernandes injured for around a month, it has become even more urgent for Manchester United to strengthen their midfield in 2026.
The Red Devils are showing interest in Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, but the two Premier League stars likely won’t be available until the summer window.
WHAT would be your dream January transfer window for Manchester United?💰🔥
Manager Ruben Amorim arrives ahead of the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park in 2025 in London, England.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
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If Ineos want to be active in January, then Ruben Neves is available for £18m ahead of his Al-Hilal contract expiring at the end of the season.
But if United are serious about signing Ruben Neves, they will need to move quickly.
Ruben Neves in white Portugal kit
Photo by Tim Clayton/Getty Images
Ruben Neves tipped to join Real Madrid
Neves is a bargain opportunity for United, given he has experience in the Premier League and is in his prime at 28 years old.
Not only does Neves work brilliantly with Fernandes, but he also captained Matheus Cunha at Wolves and is a compatriot of Ruben Amorim.
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But as per AS, former Al Hilal player Al Jaber has tipped Neves to join Real Madrid over United in 2026.
Ruben Neves has emerged as a possible midfield signing for Man Utd in January
Still only 28, Portugal international, do you think United should sign Neves? 💷
Ruben Neves rumour
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“I fear Neves will move from Al Hilal to Real Madrid for free after his contract with the club expires at the end of this season.
“There are Premier League clubs that want to sign Neves, and the contracts they are offering him are for three years, meaning until he turns 31. Real Madrid is also interested, and I’m sure there are other clubs that want Neves,” he said.
How Man United can beat Real Madrid to Ruben Neves
If Real Madrid are interested in Neves, United may find it hard to compete financially as well as when it comes to offering Champions League football.
Neves is reportedly earning £350,000 per week at Al-Hilal. He would have to accept a significant cut in pay to complete a move to Old Trafford.
READ MORE: Man United already know ideal Bruno Fernandes fix with £18m midfield target
One thing in United’s favour, though, is that Al-Hilal are open to cashing in on Neves in January to avoid losing him as a free agent in the summer.
United need midfield reinforcements as soon as possible and could make a move in January. If Madrid are waiting until the summer to try and sign Neves as a free agent, the Red Devils could swoop next month.
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