Manchester United submit €23m bid for 51-goal, 44-assist midfielder as Carrick’s first signing – Report

Manchester United have submitted a formal bid to bring Ruben Neves back to the Premier League, reigniting interest in the Portuguese midfielder.

According to the latest report from Spanish publication Fichajes, Neves has been identified by the Old Trafford bosses as the ideal candidate to inject balance, leadership and readiness into the midfield engine room.

Chelsea are also interested in Neves, but Man United appear to have made the move first.

Neves’ current contract with Al Hilal expires in June, so January is the last chance for the Saudi club to recoup his transfer fee rather than risk losing him on a free transfer in the summer.

Al Hilal are under no financial pressure to sell but are reportedly seriously considering offers in the region of €23m (about £19.2m). United’s proposal is said to be within that range, but negotiations continue regarding payment structures and add-ons.

Ultimately, the final decision could be left to the players, especially regarding salary expectations.

Ruben Neves’ annual salary and Man United’s wage structure

One of the biggest hurdles for this transfer will be financial. Ruben Neves is currently one of Saudi Arabia’s highest paid midfielders.

For a return to England to materialize, expectations will likely need to be adjusted to fit within United’s wage bracket.

According to data from Capology, Casemiro is at the top of Manchester United’s wage structure, on a salary of £350,000 a week, followed closely by captain Bruno Fernandes, who earns £300,000 a week.

Neves’ current package in Saudi Arabia is close to £390,000 per week.

Data by capology

INEOS is determined to rein in United’s inflated wage bill, and Neves will almost certainly have to accept a significant pay cut for the move to materialize.

Any offer would be expected to reflect his experience and status, but place him below the club’s top earners.

Ruben Neves is proven in the Premier League

For United, Neves’ appeal lies in his ability to break into the team quickly.

Unlike other targets who need time to adapt to the pace of English football, Neves has already proven himself with Wolves in the Premier League.

In six years at Molineux, Neves made 177 Premier League appearances, scoring 21 goals and providing nine assists. He played in 253 games across all competitions, scoring 30 goals and providing 13 assists.

Ruben Neves stats (via Transfermarkt)

He was instrumental in Wolves’ promotion and subsequent European qualification and was often seen wearing the captain’s armband.

His track record of controlling games and scoring great goals from distance makes him a low-risk, high-reward option for a United team looking for consistency.