Manchester United boost in Rúben Neves pursuit as Real Madrid step back

Manchester United have been presented with a clearer path to Rúben Neves this January, with reports in Portugal suggesting Real Madrid are unlikely to move for the midfielder during the winter window.

Spanish outlet AS previously claimed the United hierarchy were pushing to sign the 28-year-old from Al-Hilal, but would face competition from Madrid. That narrative now appears to be shifting. According to O Jogo, Neves is actively exploring a return to European football and has little appetite for extending his stay in Saudi Arabia.

Neves is entering the final six months of his contract at Al-Hilal, placing the Saudi Pro League side in a difficult position. While the club have tabled a renewal offer, the Portugal international is said to be unconvinced, preferring a move back to a top European league.

Former Al-Hilal striker Sami Al-Jaber recently warned the club could lose Neves for nothing at the end of the season, fuelling speculation of a January sale if no agreement is reached.

Crucially, O Jogo report that Neves is already free to speak with interested clubs and that a winter transfer cannot be ruled out — a stance echoed by Record.

While a switch to the Santiago Bernabéu would appeal to the player, both Portuguese newspapers suggest Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is reluctant to authorise mid-season spending. Record specifically state that Pérez has no intention of committing significant funds in January, effectively cooling Madrid’s interest for now.

That position significantly benefits Manchester United, who are actively assessing midfield reinforcements following a turbulent first half of the season.

United’s interest has persisted despite recent upheaval at Old Trafford, including the departure of Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim earlier this month. The club’s recruitment focus on Portuguese talent has not diminished, and Neves’ Premier League pedigree makes him an attractive, low-risk option.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers captain remains highly regarded in England for his positional discipline, leadership qualities and ability to dictate tempo from deep midfield areas.

According to Record, United would be prepared to offer around €20 million to complete the deal in January — a fee viewed as acceptable given the contract situation.

Al-Hilal are expected to push again for a renewal before fully opening the door to a January exit. If Neves formally rejects the extension, negotiations could accelerate quickly. Manchester United’s next steps may depend on outgoing business, but the pathway appears clearer than it did just weeks ago.

Would Rúben Neves be the right midfield profile for Manchester United right now?