Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves definitely took many people by surprise when agreeing to leave the Molineux side for Al Hilal this summer.
As reported over the weekend, the Premier League club accepted to sell him in a €55m deal, and the player himself has already agreed personal terms with the Saudi club.
The transfer was even a subject at Portugal’s national team camp, where manager Roberto Martinez today held a press conference. Speaking to the local media (via Mais Futebol), the coach had a lot to say about Neves leaving Wolves for Saudi Arabia.
“I like to look at my experience over the last seven years, I had several players who left Europe, they were in different leagues. It’s something very individual, some players have dropped in level, because they need a level in the league that matches their qualities. Other players are the opposite, they can put their role in the teams they go to, looking for more games,” said Roberto Martinez.
“In the case of Ruben Neves, it’s an incredible opportunity in many ways. It’s a new league. Since Cristiano went there, it has become a very different market. It’s something that will change a lot and quickly. This decision does not affect Ruben Neves at all.
“What will matter is whether he can keep fit, play a different role than he did in the Premier League, where he was the main player. It’s a new project. We’re excited for him. It will make him even more mature, but he has always been a mature player, since his time at FC Porto. It will be a new challenge.”
Portugal beat Bosnia 3-0 at the weekend, and are now playing Iceland tomorrow evening. The international schedule is the reason why Neves is said to be waiting to confirm the transfer to Al Hilal.
Wolves spent €17.9m to sign the midfielder from Porto in 2017. In his six years at Wolves, he made 254 appearances and scored 30 goals.
Apparently, a move to the Middle East won’t harm his future with the Portuguese national team, and that may be a message for other players who are taking the same path.
