Portugal manager Roberto Martinez believes Ruben Neves moving to Al Hilal is ‘an incredible opportunity’.
News broke on Sunday that Wolves had agreed a £47 million transfer with the Saudi Pro League outfit.
They have supposedly offered him ten times his wage at Wolves.
Personal terms are agreed, and Neves is understood to have done his medical.
He will fly to Saudi in the coming days to finalise a move that has really been a big talking point in the football community on social media.
That’s because Neves is to be the first high profile player who is not at the end of his playing career to make the move.
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He has come in for a lot of stick. But in the eyes of his international manager, the move is an exciting one.
Roberto Martinez gives verdict on Ruben Neves moving to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal
Martinez was asked bout Neves’ imminent move in a press conference.
The Spaniard gave his honest view, and believes that this is actually a great opportunity for the Wolves captain.
He said (Noticias Ao Minuto): “I like to look at my experience as a coach and in the last seven years I’ve had a lot of people who have been there, some have fallen in terms of their performance.
“In the case of Ruben Neves, it’s an incredible opportunity in many ways for him.
“Since Cristiano went there, Saudi football has become a very different market. It will be important how he can stay fit and take on a different role than he did at Wolverhampton and a Premier League team.”
“We’re excited for him. That’s what I can say. He’s a very mature player. It will be a new challenge for his career.”
There is one reason, and one reason only, why this is an incredible opportunity for Ruben Neves
Martinez didn’t explain exactly why this is an incredible opportunity for Neves.
But, really, we all know why it is.
Quite simply, Neves would not be going there if not for the astronomical financial package he has been offered.
We know that because of how vocal he has been previously about playing the Champions League again.
This is a good deal for Wolves, who have managed to get almost £50 million for a player with one year left on his contract.
It’s a shame to see a player like Neves, who could so easily play for a top European club, making the move he’s making. But his move helps Wolves and that is the main thing right now.