Ruben Neves in action during a match for Al-Hilal, who may return to the English Premier League as reported by one.uz
Credit: Credit: one.uz
Tottenham are preparing a move for Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves with a potential £17-25m January 2026 transfer, as the Portugal international seeks a Premier League return.
Tottenham Target Ruben Neves Return as Al Hilal Star Eyes Premier League Move
Tottenham Hotspur are actively preparing a move to sign Ruben Neves from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, with the Portugal midfielder emerging as a January 2026 target. Reports indicate the 28-year-old could be available for around €20m (£17-25m), representing significant value considering Al Hilal paid a club record £47 million for his services from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2023.
The former Wolves midfielder has expressed a desire to return to the Premier League, with his previous statements about ambitions to compete in the Champions League supporting speculation about his openness to a move back to England. Manager Thomas Frank considers Neves a long-term admirer and potential key addition to strengthen Tottenham’s midfield options, particularly with Yves Bissouma expected to leave Spurs in January.
Neves brings versatile defensive capabilities and playmaking skills as a deep-lying playmaker, offering Premier League experience that Tottenham view as strategically valuable for enhancing midfield stability and depth. The reported transfer fee makes this an attractive opportunity for Premier League clubs, with Tottenham considering the signing financially viable amid planned squad changes that could free up wage space.
However, Tottenham face competition from Newcastle United and Manchester United, who are also pursuing Neves’s signature, creating a contested scenario that could potentially drive the fee upwards. The club are simultaneously exploring alternative midfield targets including Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid, illustrating their clear intent to strengthen central midfield options.
Currently, no official statements have been issued by Tottenham Hotspur, Al Hilal, or Neves himself regarding the potential transfer, with speculation based primarily on journalist reports rather than formal club announcements. The timeline for a formal transfer bid remains unspecified, though the focus centers around the January 2026 transfer window, with potential obstacles including wage demands and Al Hilal’s willingness to sell below their initial investment yet to be resolved.
