Manchester United are targeting an ex-Premier League midfielder, but the transfer may prove to be an expensive ordeal.
Manchester United currently sit in seventh place in the Premier League and play Everton at home on Monday. To push towards the European spots, United will have to recruit new additions to the squad during the January transfer window.
Since Rúben Amorim’s arrival, a focus on smart recruitment has been key to his transfer strategy, improving on what United have been doing in previous years. The signings of Antony, Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana proved extremely costly and disappointing under the previous regime.
Amorim’s focus on Premier League-proven players with the signings of Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha has shown to be far more successful, with the duo having a bright start to their United careers.
The United midfield has consisted of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro this season, with the duo starting nine out of the eleven games so far. With Manuel Ugarte’s shaky form and Kobbie Mainoo’s desire to leave the club on loan during the January transfer window, United are looking towards new midfield options.
Neves set for Premier League return
Ruben Neves has been rumoured to be on the move away from the Saudi Pro League due to his contract approaching its end, and the player is keen on a return to England, according to The Daily Briefing. It’s also claimed that contact is already being made with Premier League sides.
Neves played over two hundred and fifty games for Wolves, proving himself as an essential player for the Black Country club. The midfielder moved to the Saudi League in July 2023 and has since made over 100 appearances for Al Hilal.
The Portuguese international would be the perfect fit for Amorim’s United squad, given his partnership with international teammates Fernandes and Diogo Dalot. Neves can play as a central and defensive midfielder, allowing him to fill in for Mainoo and Casemiro.
The big worry for United over this transfer is Neves’ huge £410,000 weekly wage. If this wage were to carry over to the Premier League, it would reportedly make Neves the second-highest-paid player behind Erling Haaland.
United will therefore have to convince Neves to reduce his wage demands, which may prompt him to consider a move elsewhere.
Interest from Newcastle and Tottenham has also been rumoured, so United will have to secure European football to fully convince the twenty-eight-year-old over a move to Old Trafford.
United should look elsewhere
Despite Neves’ clear experience in the Premier League, he has played in Saudi Arabia for three seasons now, so he could appear to be below par when returning to the world’s top level of football.
United are more likely to look to sign Elliott Anderson and Carlos Baleba, with rumours surrounding the two Premier League midfielders sounding far more convincing. Both of these players are also a lot younger than Neves, allowing for more room for development.
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Mainoo may also be appearing more often for United in the league due to the packed winter fixture list, necessitating rotation. With more minutes available, the twenty-year-old may change his mind over a move away.
The January transfer window is swiftly approaching, so United can expect many rumours about squad changes. Amorim must aim to maintain a sense of togetherness within the team and use the window to drive improvement.
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