Barcelona-linked midfielder to join Al Hilal on £47m deal

Al Hilal are on the verge of completing a move for one of Europe’s most in-demand midfielders.

Ruben Neves is reportedly close to joining Al Hilal for a £47m fee.

Barcelona, who look to sign a replacement for Sergio Busquets, emerged as Neves’ main suitors this summer. The Portuguese star also attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs, including Manchester United.

However, Neves has reportedly decided to complete a shock move to Saudi Arabia ahead of the new season.

According to Relevo, Wolves have already accepted Al Hilal’s £47m offer for the midfielder. The Spanish outlet claims the Saudi Pro League side could announce Neves’ arrival as soon as the next week.

Barcelona hoped to prize away Neves by offering a swap deal with Ansu Fati. However, the Barca youngster’s decision to stay at Camp Nou provided a chance for Al Hilal to edge out the Catalans in the transfer race.

Neves’ move will be a significant boost in Saudi Arabia’s pursuit of top European talents. The Saudi clubs have shown a tendency to enter the transfer market for younger stars while still providing veteran players with big-money offers.

In addition to Neves, the likes of N’Golo Kante and Hakim Ziyech are set to join Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in Saudi Arabia’s top-flight ahead of the next campaign.