Ruben Neves, the Portuguese midfielder, has revealed that he came close to joining either Arsenal or Barcelona last summer before making a surprising move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
Neves, who left Wolverhampton Wanderers after expressing his desire to compete for trophies, was heavily linked to several top European clubs.
However, he ultimately chose to join Al Hilal for a significant fee of £47m.
In an interview with O Jogo, Neves admitted that he was close to signing with three clubs, including Barcelona and Arsenal, but the deals fell through.
He expressed his disappointment and how it led him to consider the offer from Al Hilal.
Neves acknowledged that playing in Saudi Arabia doesn’t make him feel any different from his colleagues in Europe and believes his physical capacity is still top-notch.
Although Neves is open to returning to Europe in the future, he’s not planning to make a swift exit from Saudi Arabia.
He’s impressed with the quality of players joining the Saudi Pro League and believes the league has the potential to become one of the most important in the world within two years.
Neves is enjoying his time at Al Hilal, who are currently leading the Saudi Pro League standings, seven points ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.
Neves’ decision to join Al Hilal was a surprise to many, given his talent and ambition to compete at the highest level.
However, his comments suggest that he’s committed to his current club and the Saudi Pro League, which is attracting high-profile players and investment.
Neves’ experience and skills have already made an impact at Al Hilal, with four goals and six assists in 28 appearances.
The midfielder’s revelations about his close calls with Arsenal and Barcelona offer a fascinating glimpse into the transfer market and the choices players face.
Neves’ story serves as a reminder that even top talents can experience setbacks in their careers, but it’s how they respond that matters.
His success in Saudi Arabia may inspire other players to consider the league as a viable option, potentially changing the landscape of international football.
