Ruben Neves is an “excellent” midfielder who Newcastle United supporters should be clamouring for. That superlative was thrown at the Portuguese international by Pep Guardiola, a man who knows all about deep-lying playmakers, having been one himself.
Less than 18 months remain on Neves’ contract as Wolves approach squeaky bum time with their talisman. In an interview with the Times last summer, the 25-year-old admitted he expected to leave Molineux.
Neves was part of the side that earned promotion to the Premier League in 2017-18 - his debut season at the club. Bigger fish were already circling at the time but Neves stayed loyal to Wolves and their Portuguese project.
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However, he is now entering the prime of his career and a player of Neves’ credentials will always receive interest once their contract runs down. Step forward, Newcastle.
Reports have linked the Magpies with a move for the Wolves playmaker amid their ongoing midfield crisis. Given Eddie Howe plays 4-3-3, and United have just three fully-fit options ahead of the trip to Crystal Palace, there can be no room for another body on the treatment table.
Six-time Premier League winner Rio Ferdinand is another household name to have eulogised Neves. Bruno Guimaraes has played a deeper role for Newcastle this season - but signing somebody to do that job would allow him to operate further forward.
"I like him,” Ferdinand said last year. “He's fantastic, he keeps the ball as well as anyone. A really good footballer."
But perhaps the biggest compliment of all was paid by Nuno Espirito Santo, his former Wolves manager. Two years ago, Neves was forced to watch his third child’s birth over the phone as Covid-19 restrictions limited travel to Portugal.
Signing the right characters is a task Toon chiefs have made clear is of high importance in the transfer market. Professionalism, too, a trait Neves demonstrated by turning out for his club in their defeat to Crystal Palace that weekend.
“Ruben joined us four seasons ago,” Santo said. “He came from a big club and he joined Wolves in the Championship. From that day, Ruben totally embraced the challenge we had and he will keep on doing that everyday of his life.
“It is not only about the birth of his child, it is everyday since 2017. He shows us and everybody that he is truly committed. This is the spirit of the team and of Ruben.
“I am very proud of the way he has handled the situation. He understands that, at this moment, he is not able to travel. That decision was made for all of us - the corridor is closed.
“But the commitment he put into the situation, not ever doubting what was his priority in the moment. This is what makes me more proud.”
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