Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Julen Lopetegui has told Koora that he’s disappointed over losing Rúben Neves to Al Hilal in the summer window.
Prior to his move to Saudi Arabia, the midfielder was heavily linked to Barcelona. There were even reports in the Spanish media that his agent, Jorge Mendes, was trying to carry out an exchange deal involving the 26-year-old and Ansu Fati.
That didn’t take shape because Fati wasn’t keen on joining Wolves, and Neves eventually ended up at Al-Hilal.
When asked if he was against the Portugal international’s move to Saudi Arabia, Lopetegui talked about the need to strengthen Wolves’ squad.
“Of course, I wished he would continue. Rúben was one of our best players and has a great history at Wolverhampton, without a doubt, but he received a very attractive offer, and chose to leave for Saudi, and of course we wish him success. We have to try to find other players who can help us,” he said.
“I don’t want to share my plans in the market with you for sure [laughs]. Fati is a Barcelona player and is a special player, and now there are a lot of rumours in the market without a doubt,” Lopetegui explained.
The former Sevilla manager also addressed rumours of interest from Saudi Arabia in himself.
Asked if this is true, he said: “No, there is always news during the transfer market, but I am glad to be taking over a team in the Premier League, and currently all my focus is on making the strongest team possible for next season.”
After insisting he’s completely focused on Wolves, Lopetegui talked about his plans for the new season.
“We have started the pre-season with the players available, we are waiting for a lot of players to finish some engagements with their national teams, and we are waiting to complete the rest of the group to prepare strongly for the season,” the coach added.
“When the group is complete, and I see the entire team after some players leave and conclude deals, we will see what we can do.”
Koora ended the interview by asking Lopetegui if he would return to Real Madrid in the future.
“You talk about the future and no one knows what might happen [laughs], all I want to do is focus on my current team,” the Wolves manager concluded.
