Manchester United are among the teams who have been linked with Ruben Neves but the former Wolves midfielder has been targeting a surprise switch to Real Madrid
Ruben Neves of Al Hilal celebrates after scoring his team's third goal from a penalty during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ettifaq and Al Hilal at on October 18, 2025 in Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Ruben Neves has been linked with a shock move to Real Madrid(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
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Ruben Neves has recently set his sights set on a dream move to Real Madrid this month despite continued links to Manchester United and a possible return to the Premier League.
The former Wolves playmaker, 28, currently plies his trade in Saudi Arabia after joining Al-Hilal back in the summer of 2023. But with Neves' contract up in the summer, he is understood to have suitors who are ready to bring him back to Europe before the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
Manchester United are among those who have been linked and the Red Devils are looking for midfield reinforcements. It has now emerged, though, that Neves has eyes for another club amid interest from Old Trafford.
According to Carrusel Deportivo, via AS, Neves has been identified as a target by staff at Real, who feel they need to sign a creative midfielder. Neves, despite having a lucrative contract offer on the table from Al-Hilal, is keen on the move - but not everybody is.
The report adds that the Real Madrid board 'have doubts' over Neves and that the fact they would be able to land him on a free transfer in the summer means they would be unwilling to pay a substantial fee to sign him, making a deal unlikely.
Ruben Neves
Neves boasts Premier League experience from his time with Wolves(Image: Getty Images)
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With Real not planning to do any significant deal during the current transfer window, Neves could decide to see out the remainder of his deal and assess all options in the summer.
Manchester United could also be quiet in January after parting company with Ruben Amorim. They have since replaced him with Michael Carrick but the former United midfielder is only on a contract until the end of the season, at which point they are expected to recruit Amorim's permanent successor.
With Carrick effectively in interim charge as things stand, the club could choose to refrain from doing any significant business before the February 2 deadline, although it has also been claimed the hierarchy are open to making a midfield addition in the window.
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