Fernandes wants Man Utd to beat Real Madrid to 'rare market opportunity'

Tom Weber

• Updated: 20 Dec 2025 18:44 GMT
• 4 min read

News

Bruno Fernandes wants Manchester United to beat Real Madrid to the signing of Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, according to a report.

Earlier this week, a bombshell report alleged that the Portugal international is looking to leave Saudi Arabia in the January transfer window. Neves, it was claimed, is keen to return to the Premier League.

The 28-year-old left Wolves for Al-Hilal for €55 million in the summer of 2023, but with only six months remaining on his deal and no extension forthcoming, there is a mutual desire to part ways again in the winter.

Current ETV

Rúben Neves

DM, M (C)

Al-Hilal

Rúben Neves

DM, M (C)

Al-Hilal

€15.2M

ETV Range

€13.7M - €16.7M

View full profile

Al-Hilal are said to be prepared to sell Neves for around €20m in January. This would free up a foreign spot in their team and allow them to complete an ambitious incoming.

The Riyadh giants are interested in Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes. The fact that they are targeting the latter is somewhat ironic, though, because the 31-year-old has wanted Man Utd to sign his compatriot for a number of seasons.

Neves a market opportunity

Neves is said to have been offered to the Red Devils, but the Old Trafford club won't have a free run at his signing. According to SportsMole, citing "reports in Spain," Real Madrid are also in the mix.

Los Blancos view Neves as a "rare market opportunity," given that a player of his quality is usually not available for as little as €20m. With the club beset by injuries, it is not ruled out that someone could arrive in January.

Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde have all spent time on the treatment table this season, so it is no surprise that a midfield reinforcement is being mulled over by Real Madrid chiefs.

Man Utd, though, are still considered the favourites for his signature. It is not just Fernandes who is pushing for Neves' arrival, but also head coach Ruben Amorim.

Fernandes recently revealed that he spoke to Neves when Al-Hilal wanted him in the summer, so the roles are likely to be reversed now, with agent Bruno trying to bring his compatriot to Manchester.

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