Real Madrid will compete with Manchester United in the race to sign 28-year-old Portuguese international Ruben Neves from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal next year.

According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Ruben Neves is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The Spanish giants are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a versatile midfielder next year. So, the 28-year-old Al-Hilal midfielder has emerged as a target for Los Blancos.

The Santa Maria da Feira native is also a target for Manchester United, with the Red Devils leading the race to sign him for a long time. However, with Real Madrid entering the picture, the race to sign Neves has become more intense.

How has Ruben Neves fared at Al-Hilal?

Ruben Neves has been one of the best players in the Saudi Pro League since completing a surprise move to Al-Hilal from Wolverhampton Wanderers in July 2023. The 28-year-old has enjoyed tremendous success at Al-Hilal, winning nearly half a dozen trophies, including the Saudi Pro League title with the club.

The Portuguese international has made over 100 appearances thus far for Al-Hilal while chipping in with 14 goals and 25 assists. Meanwhile, Neves’s exploits for the Saudi Pro League club have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. Manchester United and Real Madrid are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.

A man in demand

Manchester United’s interest in Ruben Neves makes sense. The Red Devils are scouring the market for a versatile midfielder, as Casemiro is on the wrong side of 30. Additionally, Manuel Ugarte has failed to make their mark since joining Manchester United from Paris Saint-Germain last year. So, Neves is a viable target for Manchester United.

As for Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso has a stacked midfield unit. However, Dani Ceballos faces an uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu, while widespread reports have linked Eduardo Camavinga with Premier League bigwigs. So, Neves is an option worth considering for Real Madrid.

Meanwhile, Neves has entered the final seven months of his contract, and a winter departure may be on the cards. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the 28-year-old Portuguese international.