The Ruben Amorim era at Old Trafford is about to get its first major Portuguese reinforcement. On Thursday, December 25, 2025, multiple reports confirmed that Manchester United have established direct contact with "super-agent" Jorge Mendes to discuss a January transfer for Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves.
With Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo currently sidelined through injury, United are moving aggressively to secure a "Premier League-ready" playmaker to rescue their midfield.
The "Bargain" Fee vs. The Wage Hurdle
The deal is a race against time and a massive financial balancing act.
The Fee: Neves is in the final six months of his contract in Saudi Arabia. While Al-Hilal paid £47m for him in 2023, they are reportedly willing to accept a fee as low as £15m–£20m in January to avoid losing him for free in the summer.
The Salary: The real complication lies in Neves’ current earnings. He reportedly takes home £350,000 per week at Al-Hilal. For a move to Old Trafford to work, Neves would likely need to accept a significant wage cut to fit into the new INEOS-led salary structure.
The "Real Madrid" Threat: Adding to the urgency, Al-Hilal legend Sami Al-Jaber recently warned that Real Madrid are monitoring the situation and could look to sign Neves on a free transfer in July 2026.
Amorim’s "Tactical Pivot"
Ruben Amorim is reportedly a "huge admirer" of his compatriot. The United boss views Neves as the ideal deep-lying distributor to implement his system for several reasons:
Experience: Neves spent six years at Wolves, meaning he requires zero adaptation time to the pace of the Premier League.
Leadership: With the captain (Fernandes) out and Casemiro’s long-term future uncertain, Neves provides the vocal leadership United currently lack in the engine room.
The "Amad" Connection: Scouts have noted that Neves’ long-range passing would perfectly suit the explosive runs of in-form wingers like Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho.
The "Semenyo" Domino Effect
The move for Neves has been accelerated following reports that United’s primary attacking target, Antoine Semenyo, is favoring a move to Liverpool or Manchester City. With one "priority" deal looking difficult, INEOS is determined not to leave Amorim empty-handed as the January window opens.
The Verdict: This is more than just a rumor; it’s a strategic necessity. If United can convince Neves to swap his tax-free Saudi salary for a starring role in Amorim’s rebuild, he could be the most influential signing of the January window.