Manchester United have been linked with a January swoop for Ruben Neves as Ruben Amorim looks to strengthen his midfield in 2026.
It is no secret that Manchester United will be trying to overhaul the midfield department in 2026, but it remains to be seen if any moves take place in January or if Ineos will wait patiently until the summer to conduct their business.
Most of United’s transfer targets won’t be available in January, including Adam Wharton at Crystal Palace and Elliot Anderson at Nottingham Forest.
Ruben Neves has emerged as a possible midfield signing for Man Utd in January
Still only 28, Portugal international, do you think United should sign Neves? 💷
Reports suggest United are open to selling Kobbie Mainoo if an exceptional offer arrives, while there is uncertainty over the futures of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.
That means 2026 is lining up to be a busy year for United – on and off the pitch.
Ruben Neves could be a bargain for Man Utd with £20 million price tag
It may feel like United’s transfer wish list of midfielders is growing by the week, but United In Focus reported last month that there is interest in Ruben Neves.
The former Wolves star, who played with Matheus Cunha, made a £47 million move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, but his contract is up at the end of the season.
According to The Guardian, Neves would cost about £20 million to sign in January, but his £350,000-a-week salary may prove to be a stumbling block.
The same report claims United are also considering a move for Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher.
Gallagher left Chelsea in 2024 when he signed a five-year deal with the Spanish outfit, but the midfielder is valued between £35 million and £44 million, meaning he would be more expensive than Neves.
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Amorim has been persisting with a double pivot of Fernandes and Casemiro, overlooking Mainoo in the process, but a midfield signing in January would at least give the United head coach another option for the remainder of the season.
Neves and Gallagher both have Premier League experience, which is a bonus, but the Portuguese link may convince Amorim to sign the former FC Porto star.
This is a player who would be expected to hit the ground running at United if he joined in January, which is exactly what the club should be looking for.
At the cost of £20m for an elite midfielder aged 28, it’s a deal that presents United with the opportunity to get Neves at a bargain price.
Ruben Neves record against Man Utd
Neves played 13 matches against United during his time at Wolves.
The 28-year-old won just three of those matches, losing six and drawing four.
Neves picked up five yellow cards in those matches and registered two goal-scoring contributions.
Since leaving Wolves, Neves has made 106 appearances for Al-Hilal.
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