Ruben Neves is set to join Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, with the Wolves midfielder set to turn down interest from Barcelona to join Al-Hilal.
Neves is set to leave England following six seasons at Molineux, with his contract set to expire next summer. The move would be a big sign of intent from Saudi Arabia, with the 26-year-old potentially becoming the first big-name player in his prime to join the league.
The 39-times capped Portugal international would join teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in the middle east, with the former Man United and Real Madrid forward having sparked an influx of European talent with his move earlier this year.
However, Barcelona remain in the race, with the La Liga champions believed to have agreed personal terms to sign the Portuguese midfielder.
Relevo report that a with a €55 million (£47m) deal is close to completion, with his reported wage being ten times what he is currently paid at Wolves. The move would represent the highest transfer fee paid by a Saudi Arabian club, with a clear sign of the country's growing sporting interests.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), have recently acquire controlling stakes in four Saudi Pro League clubs, sparking a flurry of investment in the league. They now own Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal and Al Nassr, adding to their ownership of Newcastle United.
Recently, Karim Benzema has joined the league, with N'Golo Kante reported to be another acquisition. However, accusations of 'sportswashing' persist, with Saudi Arabia's further investment in sports such as golf and boxing causing controversy amid continued allegations of human rights abuses in the country.
Neves could now join a league, leaving behind the prospect of Champions League football having previously outlined his desire to play in Europe's elite competition. Speaking at the end of last season, Neves proclaimed that should he leave Wolves it would be with the purpose of fulfilling his desire to play on the biggest stage.
He said: “Let’s see. Let’s see what happens. Of course, I always say the same thing, I truly love to be here but I never hide that I want to play Champions League football. That is a hard decision to make because I feel at home here.
“In football you need to hurry, you need to go for your main goals and I think that would be a massive decision for me and my family. Nothing has happened yet. It is was my last game here, I really enjoyed it and I’m thankful for every single person who has worked with me for six seasons.”
However, his agent Jorge Mendes, who also represents Ronaldo, holds control over his players' movements, with lucrative fees on offer in Saudi Arabia for players and their agents should a deal be agreed.
