In a shocking new development, Portuguese international Ruben Neves has reportedly agreed to join Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers on a £14million deal. The former Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea target’s surprising decision has already sent the footballing world in a frenzy.
The FC Porto midfielder has been a hot prospect in the summer transfer window with numerous top clubs willing to land him. And although Wolves were in talks with the 20-year-old since the beginning, no one thought of them as a potential hurdle in the race to land him. But, it seems like their Portuguese manager Nuno Espirito Santo has had a huge role to play in it.
There have also been reports of super agent Jorge Mendes, who manages the defensive midfielder now and an adviser to Wolves’ owners has had influence in it. It was he who helped them get Helder Costa last summer and Neves is set to be yet another star addition for the Midlands side.
The central midfielder has been a popular face in Porto and is regarded as a top talent by the Portuguese system. There has been a slight dip in his form of late, which made it difficult for him to get into their first team. And FC Porto’s concern of facing UEFA sanctions for breaching Financial Fair Play guidelines will also be eased a bit by this deal.
Santo has a pretty underwhelming midfield as apart from Moroccan international Romain Saïss and skipper David Edwards, the boss has some under average options in Conor Coady, Prince Oniangué, Lee Evans and Jack Price. Some are expected to depart this summer with the arrival of Neves and the 20-year-old is expected to be a huge upgrade for the side at the middle of the park.
Neves has broken many records as a youngster like becoming the youngest captain to lead Porto in their Champions League fixture against beat Maccabi Tel Aviv. He was also the youngest player to play 50 games for the club and made a national debut as an 18-year-old.
Neves’ playing style has been familiarised a lot with Portugal’s star midfielder João Moutinho, who is known to put pressure and come up with the key passes. The midfielder is more defence minded and has often been seen as a centre back as and when needed. His pace also makes him an efficient winger in a modified setup and at 180cm, could cope up with the gruelling gameplay of the Championship.
