Saudi Pro League star already ‘dreaming’ of Premier League return

Updated: 28 Oct 2023 13:21 BST
4 min read

A silhouette of Antonio Mateu Lahoz with the Saudi Arabian flag — © ProShots

It has only been a few months since Saudi Arabia took the transfer market by storm by enticing a host of stars with big money to join the Pro League but some players are already perhaps regretting their choices and are thinking of their next moves.

Reports in Portugal have claimed that Ruben Neves is ‘dreaming’ of a return to the Premier League after being linked with a move to Newcastle in January despite the midfielder only joining Al-Hilal in the summer.

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Neves is believed to be an option for Newcastle following confirmation of Sandro Tonali’s ten-month suspension, leaving Eddie Howe’s side with a gap in midfield for the rest of the season.

OPINION: Why Tonali ban could be a blessing in disguise

Newcastle are set to bring in a replacement for their €63m man in January and O Jogo state that the PIF, who own both the Magpies and Al-Hilal, could ‘facilitate’ a loan deal for the 26-year-old.

While Newcastle’s interest is nothing new, a crucial factor could be the player’s desire to get a deal done, with the Portuguese outlet stating that Neves ‘continues to harbour hopes’ of a Premier League comeback, having starred for Wolves before his €55m move to Saudi.

Al-Hilal will be reluctant to lose a crucial player mid-season as they sit top of the Pro League but Neves, who has featured in all 11 of their games so far, could make a quick exit if Newcastle do formalise their interest.

Tonali ban leaves Newcastle short staffed

The ban for Tonali comes as a blow for Newcastle, having only just made the Italian their joint-record signing in the summer and coming at a pivotal point in the season.

Newcastle are still pushing to qualify out of their Champions League ‘group of death’ as well as competing for a place in the top four, while they will face Manchester United in the Carabao Cup next month.

🚨⚪️⚫️ Newcastle confirm that Sandro Tonali has been banned from football for ten months, as effective from Friday, 27th October 2023, following illegal betting charges by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

FIGC's sanction includes an overall 18-month ban, with 8 months… pic.twitter.com/PWR8PHPSDF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 28, 2023

The Magpies have also suffered significant injuries to the likes of Elliot Anderson, Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak, leaving them light on players going into a busy period of fixtures.

OPTIONS: Who could Newcastle sign to replace Sandro Tonali?

But Tonali’s absence leaves a space in Newcastle’s Premier League squad in January and Neves is expected to be one of many players targeted to fill the void left by the ex-Milan man as he prepares for a long spell on the sidelines.