Ruben Neves is set to make a sensational move to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, with Wolves agreeing to sell for £47 million – and the midfielder could potentially play under a manager Wanderers considered to replace Bruno Lage.
News has broken today that Neves is poised to make a shock move to the Middle East.
All the indications had been that he would make a move to Barcelona.
But just recently, it has become clear that the Spanish giants can’t afford to buy him. They had been banking on a swap deal involving Ansu Fati.
Neves has not yet agreed personal terms with Al Hilal.
But he has apparently been offered ten times his current wage.
And should he accept this offer and complete the move, then he could play under someone Wolves actually considered as a replacement for Bruno Lage.
Ruben Neves set to join Al Hilal, where he could play under Sergio Conceicao
According to Foot Mercato, Neves is not the only Portuguese Al Hilal are targeting.
Apparently, they want to bring in Sergio Conceicao as their new manager.
Conceicao is currently the manager of FC Porto, a post he’s been in since 2017. He actually replaced Nuno Espirito Santo.
But in another report from Foot Mercato, it is stated that Al Hilal would have to trigger Conceicao’s release clause – which is thought to be just over £15 million. Should they do that, Conceicao would become one of the world’s most expensive managers.
Conceicao was reportedly someone Wolves considered after sacking Lage last October. Ultimately, Wolves didn’t want to go near the release clause.
And weeks later, and after he initially said no, Julen Lopetegui was hired.
Al Hilal hiring Sergio Conceicao might bring Ruben Neves deal to fruition
At the moment, there is an agreement between Wolves and Al Hilal for the transfer of Neves.
But the player has yet to agree personal terms. He does have a huge offer on the table though, and is thought to be mulling it over.
But if Al Hilal go and hire Conceicao, or assure Neves that that’s what they’ll do, then it might be the push Neves needs to say yes.
Surely having a fellow countryman there is likely to add to the appeal of the move. If the financial offer doesn’t quite do that on its own…