Newcastle United continue to be linked with a move for Ruben Neves.  

A few seasons ago now, Neves was tipped as a Newcastle United transfer target, having joined fellow PIF-owned club Al Hilal from Wolves.

The move, of course, never actually happened and he has stayed in Saudi Arabia since leaving Molineux in 2023.

Knowing what you know now, would you have sold Alexander Isak in 2024 instead of Elliot Anderson? 🤔

In this scenario, we still win the Carabao Cup by the way 😂

One didn’t want to leave. The other did his best to.

Still, the midfielder is coming towards the end of his contract in Saudi and Neves has recently been linked with a move to Newcastle.

Geordie Boot Boys have argued that the move is unwise. Neves would surely be too expensive in an area of the squad already packed with options.

However, the speculation has continued amid claims from the Turkish media.

Newcastle United ‘ready to make’ Ruben Neves offer

Sabah suggest that Newcastle are among several clubs who are prepared to make an offer to sign the Portugal international.

Manchester United, Tottenham and Galatasaray are also touted as potential options for the 28-year-old.

The report claims he’s ready to leave the Saudi side in January, although there is no guarantee of that, given he will still be under contract for another six months.

Hot take: I’m starting to think Newcastle United should sell Kieran Trippier in January – prove me wrong

Would be painful but need to cash in while we can! 👀

Plus, Lewis Miley has now become the Geordie Maldini 😂

How much is Ruben Neves paid by Al Hilal? Salary details explained

Neves once criticised Newcastle’s style of play under Eddie Howe, following a draw with them while still a Wolves player in August 2022.

“Their style of play is like that. Just long balls and second balls,” he said. “They are not a team who wants to have the possession too much, we knew that.

“We prepared for that.”

Still, that alone doesn’t necessarily make him a bad signing.

The finances involved, however, very much do.

Back in 2023, The Daily Mirror suggested that Neves was likely to earn around £300k-per-week out in Saudi.

As it stands, Bruno Guimaraes is Newcastle United’s best-paid player, earning well below that.

Given wages also play a part in PSR calculations, it’s incredibly hard to imagine Newcastle being able to strike a deal with Neves on an individual basis, even if they can agree terms with Al Hilal.

Neves would no doubt add depth but the finances involved just look like too much.

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