Why Ruben Neves rejected Man Utd and Liverpool transfer

Suraj Radia

• 29 Sep 2022 14:58 CDT
• 3 min read

Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves 'showed little willingness' over moves to both Manchester United and Liverpool this summer as he is holding out for his preferred club next year.

Neves admitted prior to the summer that he could leave Wolves but the Portuguese international ended up staying in the hopes of eventually securing a move to Barcelona.

A report from Spanish outlet Sport claims that Barca have identified the Wolves captain as their successor to Sergio Busquets, who is set to leave the Catalan side when his contract expires next summer.

Barca are believed to have told Neves' agent, Jorge Mendes, that they were not able to afford his €50 million asking price this summer, with Wolves unwilling to negotiate.

Neves is thought to be 'convinced' that he can succeed at the Camp Nou under Xavi and reportedly refused to entertain moves to United and Liverpool due to Barca's interest.

The 25-year-old has two years remaining on his contract and admitted there was 'nothing' in the reports that he was in talks with Wolves over a new deal.

Related articles

Out of contract in 2022: The best free agents available on a Bosman

Football Transfer News LIVE: Tomiyasu signs new Arsenal contract

Premier League 2022/23 summer transfers: All the completed deals

What has Neves said about his future?

Speaking to Express & Star earlier this month, Neves revealed he initially had an opportunity to leave at the end of last season but is happy to remain at Wolves for the time being.

"It's football, you never know what will happen in football," Neves said. "At that time almost everything was ready for me to go, but this is football and you can see I am completely focused on being here.

"What I am doing and what the team is doing since the start of the season means that I am 100 per cent focused on here. I want to keep going and have another great season here. I am really happy here, like I always say.

"After the last game last season, I said that we have a short career to follow our dreams, but everyone knows I'm really happy here as well.

"There's no secrets with that. I had a chance to go, I didn't go and I stayed, and I will give 200 per cent for this club because they have given me a lot.

"They've given me the best things I've had in football for now and I want to give everything for them. I will give my best to help the club."