Official: Man Utd top target signs contract until June 2029

Manchester United missed out on the prospect of signing Ruben Neves on a free transfer in July, as he decided to extend his stay with Al-Hilal.

The Premier League giants are planning a midfield overhaul this year, as Casemiro has already announced his departure at the end of the season, while Manuel Ugarte has been largely unconvincing, and even Bruno Fernandes is facing an uncertain future.

Therefore, Man Utd are expected to sign at least a couple of new midfielders, especially since they’re expected to return to Europe next term, so they will need a larger squad.

At this stage, it is widely accepted that Elliot Anderson is the club’s main target to reinforce the midfield, with Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba right behind.

However, United might struggle to sign more than one of the three aforementioned Premier League stars, given their large transfer fees, which could reach £100 million.

Therefore, MUFC officials have been seeking quality alternatives who are available at lower costs, and chief among them is Neves, who was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in January.

The 28-year-old made a name for himself on the English shores during his time at Wolves, before making a big-money move to Al-Hilal.

While the Portuguese player’s contract was set to expire in June 2026, Man Utd enquired about the possibility of signing him on a cut-price deal in January, or as a free agent in the summer.

However, the Red Devils’ hopes have been dealt a deadly blow, as Neves agreed to stay with the Riyadh-based giants.

“The board of directors of Al-Hilal Club Company, headed by His Highness Prince Nawaf Bin Saad, has signed a contract extension with Portuguese player Rúben Neves for three additional sports seasons until 2029,” reads the note published on the Saudi club’s official website.