Tottenham Hotspur are one of three clubs interested in bringing a former Premier League midfielder back to England, two years on from his decision to swap these shores for Saudi Arabia.
According to journalist Mark Brus on The Daily Breifing, Ruben Neves is ready to return to Europe, two years on from swapping Wolves for Al-Hilal.
Full name: Rúben Diogo da Silva Neves.
Born: 13 March 1997.
He joined the youth setup of FC Porto at age 8, and went on to make his first-team debut when he was 17.
Here are the clubs Ruben Neves has played for:
Youth Clubs
Porto (joined around age 8)
Padroense (on loan from Porto during youth years)
Senior Career
Porto (Portugal) 2014 → 2017■Broke into the first team.
Wolverhampton Wanderers (England) 2017 → 2023■Transferred from Porto; played many seasons.
Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) 2023 → present
Rúben Neves is widely regarded as a highly skilled and intelligent midfielder. His technical abilities, vision, and composure on the ball have earned him recognition both domestically and internationally.
🧠 Playing Style & Strengths
Neves is known for his exceptional passing range, precise long balls, and ability to dictate the tempo of a game from midfield. His vision allows him to execute intricate passes and orchestrate attacks effectively. Additionally, he has a knack for scoring from distance, often delivering powerful shots from outside the box. His composure under pressure and tactical awareness make him a valuable asset in controlling the midfield.
📊 Recent Performance
In the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League season, Neves has made 3 appearances, scoring 1 goal. His performance metrics highlight his efficiency and consistency on the field. For instance, in a match against Al Duhail, he received an 8.0 rating from Sofascore, indicating a strong individual performance.
According to journalist Mark Brus on The Daily Breifing,Tottenham Hotspur are long-term admirers of the 28-year-old, but they could be joined in the race for his signature by Newcastle and Man United.
According to Brus, Neves could be available for just €20m (£17m) in January, making him an attractive target for the Premier League trio.
Here’s a lighthearted moment involving Rúben Neves:
🎯 A Humorous VAR Moment
After scoring a stunning long-range goal, Neves jokingly remarked, “It was horrible!” in reference to the VAR check that followed. His comment added a touch of humor to the tense moment, showcasing his ability to lighten the mood even in high-pressure situations.
For a visual glimpse of this moment, you can watch the following video
