Ruben Neves 'to stay in the Saudi Pro League' despite Arsenal and Newcastle interest

Ruben Neves is expected to stay in the Saudi Pro League in January despite interest from the Premier League, it has been claimed.

The Athletic's David Ornstein has reported that Neves is not expected to leave Al Hilal in the January transfer window.

Despite only joining the Saudi Pro League from Wolverhampton Wanderers in June on a three-year deal for £47million, the Portugal international has been heavily linked with a return to the Premier League.

Indeed, the midfielder has been linked with Arsenal while Newcastle United are also said to be interested following their loss of Sandro Tonali to a 10-month suspension over gambling offences.

But Neves is expected to stay at Al Hilal. He is said to be happy and settled at the Riyadh side and has established himself as one of their key players.

He will reportedly remain at Al Hilal until at least the end of the season, having assumed even greater importance since the outfit lost Neymar to a serious knee injury.

Amid Newcastle's interest there had been speculation of a Premier League rule change. Newcastle and Al Hilal share the same majority shareholder — Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Amid growing scrutiny around associated party transactions, the Premier League are set to hold a vote at its shareholders meeting next Tuesday that recommends potential switches like this to be blocked in the winter market.

But regardless of the outcome of a vote, as things stand the Athletic claim that Neves will remain with Al Hilal for the time being.

There have reportedly been no approaches or negotiations for the 26-year-old so far, and unless there is a sudden U-turn he will continue to represent the most decorated club in Asia.

Al Hilal are currently top of their AFC Champions League group and into the King’s Cup quarter-finals. Meanwhile, they sit four points clear at the Saudi Pro League summit after 13 of 34 games, with second-place Al Nassr, who feature Cristiano Ronaldo, already struggling to bridge the gap.

Topics: Football, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Ruben Neves

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.