Wolves have to preserve their Premier League status to enjoy a successful summer transfer window.
As it stands, Wolves are six points above the relegation zone following their 1-1 draw against Everton while Leicester City and Ipswich Town both lost.
Joe Cole is confident Wolves will stay up, and this weekend, Vitor Pereira’s men have a chance to put clear daylight between them and the drop zone with a trip to Southampton.
Ahead of the clash at St Mary’s, Pereira directed a subtle dig at Gary O’Neil for not replacing superstar winger Pedro Neto, who was sold to Chelsea for £54 million in the summer.
Neto was the big profile departure in 2024, and in the year before, there was two big-money sales out of Molineux, and the fans are now demanding a return for one of them.
- READ MORE: Ruben Neves admitted he always worked harder than one Wolves teammate – it’s hard to believe
Wolves fans want Ruben Neves to return to Molineux
Some fans are still recovering from Ruben Neves’ £47 million departure to Al Hilal in 2023, seeing inarguably their greatest midfielder in the modern era depart.
Neves was so ‘special’ to Wolves as his incredible talent on the pitch was matched by his infectious leadership skills, becoming an integral part of their rise into the Europa League.
It was ultimately a bitter pill to swallow when Neves moved to Saudi Arabia almost two years ago, and on his 28th birthday, supporters are demanding he returns this summer with his contract expiring in 2026.
“Happy birthday to the king. Come back home again soon!” one fan exclaimed.
“Free agent in 2026, and he’ll have £60m in the bank from his time in Saudi. Come home Ruben, bring some new buyers with you,” another responded.
They say don’t go back, but I would 100% go back to this King. Am I living in dreamworld that it would happen? He clearly still loves the club, and now earned his cake. Easy win for Fosun surely?” a third questioned.
“Happy birthday. Please Come home soon…” another demanded while a sixth said: “Please come back Ruben we need you.”
“Have a great day when you come back you can stay with us,” a seventh claimed.
How Neves would rank among Wolves current highest earners
Unquestionably, convincing the Portuguese international to return to his throne at Molineux would send the fanbase into a state of pandemonium.
But financially, the midfielder would need to take a huge pay cut. Neves joined Al Hilal for the money, reportedly earning 10 times more than he did at Wolves.
According to Capology, Neves earns a whopping £278,000 a week and that doesn’t include any performance related bonuses.
| Wolves highest earners | Weekly Wage |
| Ruben Neves | £278,000 |
| Goncalo Guedes | £90,000 |
| Pablo Sarabia | £90,000 |
| Matheus Cunha | £90,000 |
| Nelson Semedo | £80,000 |
| Hwang Hee-chan | £70,000 |
| Boubacar Traore | £55,000 |
Currently, the amount Neves receives weekly in Saudi is over three times more than what the highest-paid players get at Wolves.
But perhaps if the 28-year-old is satisfied with how he’s set up his family for future generations, a return to his former club isn’t out of the question, especially as Neves left the door open to Wolves.