Neves to Newcastle: The state of play after landmark Premier League vote

Tom Weber

21 Nov 2023 13:07 CST
3 min read

Ruben Neves, Al-Hilal, Newcastle — © ProShots

Premier League clubs have cleared the way for Newcastle to sign Ruben Neves, but neither the Magpies nor Arsenal, Man City or any other club will likely sign the Portuguese.

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The 26-year-old midfielder has been the protagonist of one of the most controversial transfer rumours in recent history. When Sandro Tonali's 10-month ban from football for illegal betting offences was confirmed, reports began abounding that Newcastle United were looking to replace the Italian with Neves.

The Portuguese had already raised eyebrows in the summer when he headed to the Saudi Pro League at the peak of his career in a €55 million deal likely paid for directly by the Saudi government. Neves joined Al-Hilal who, like the other three giants of Saudi football, are owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) which also owns Newcastle.

The idea that Newcastle could tap the high-profile playing potential in the Pro League because of their PIF connection caused a stir in Premier League circles, which led to a vote on banning loan moves between associated clubs. This vote has now taken place - and the outcome is quite surprising.

Premier League bosses vote AGAINST ban

When the news of the vote was initially broken by the Daily Mail, the report stated that the expectation was that the votes in favour of a ban would reach the required majority to enforce the rule, but it has not panned out that way: Premier League clubs have voted against a ban.

This means that Newcastle would be allowed to bring Neves in on loan as a Tonali replacement. However, according to The Athletic, the Portuguese is not expected to leave Al-Hilal in January.

No concrete approaches have as yet been made and the player is said to be settled and happy in Riyadh, while also being a crucial cog in Jorge Jesus' team. This will not only disappoint the Magpies but also Man City and Arsenal, who have also been linked with a January move for Neves.