Ruben Neves lifts lid on Arsenal transfer saga

Cameron Smith

• 27 Feb 2024 19:31 GMT
• 3 min read

Ruben Neves has admitted he was “tired” of being involved in a transfer saga with both Arsenal and Barcelona.

The Portugal international left Wolverhampton Wanderers to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for €55 million last summer and he has enjoyed a fantastic start to life in the Middle East.

Neves, 26, has scored four goals and provided six assists in 28 appearances in all competitions so far this season, as Al-Hilal sit seven points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League table.

However, the Portuguese midfielder was heavily linked with both Arsenal and Barcelona before he ended up at Al-Hilal. Despite heavy interest from both clubs, Neves was happy to join the Saudi Pro League.

What has Ruben Neves said?

“I was close to three clubs and it ended up not happening, which saddened me and helped me make the decision to go to Al Hilal,” Neves told O Jogo.

“I didn't want to mention names, but Barcelona was one of the hottest and it wasn't a lie.

"It was close to happening, just like with Arsenal. Then there was another club outside England.

"These were events that accumulated and then, with this golden opportunity, I had no doubts about accepting it. I was tired of transfers that didn't happen.

Despite leaving the Premier League to join Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Neves has no intention of returning to Europe.

“Playing in Saudi doesn't make me feel any different compared to my colleagues in Europe,” he said.

“My physical capacity is great. I'm on track to, one day, be able to return to Europe and play at the highest level. But, to be honest, I don't plan on returning anytime soon.

“Taking this path, Saudi could have one of the most important leagues in the world within two years.

“There is no secret, the quality of the players that arrive is extremely high.

“If each team bets on eight foreigners of that level, this almost becomes a PlayStation championship, in which we can choose the players at will.

“I believe I will be here in two years and, who knows, even a little longer.”