Real Madrid have already ruled out a winter approach for Ruben Neves, despite recent speculation linking the Portuguese midfielder with a return to Europe.
According to a report from Defensa Central, the idea has been shut down at boardroom level, with Florentino Perez not willing to green-light a January deal.
Why Real Madrid won’t move in January
1) Wages don’t fit Madrid’s policy
The report notes that Neves is on a very high salary in Saudi Arabia, and matching those numbers would clash with Real Madrid’s strict wage structure. Even if a fee is manageable, wages remain the biggest issue.
2) Madrid prefer long-term midfield planning
Real Madrid are said to be assessing midfield options for next season, with a clear preference for younger profiles. Names mentioned internally include:
- Adam Wharton
- Kees Smit
- Angelo Stiller
Neves, by comparison, is described as a name that only surfaced briefly and never progressed beyond informal discussions.
3) Perez won’t pay in winter if a cheaper route exists later
While Al-Hilal could reportedly consider a sale for around €15m–€20m, Perez is allegedly unwilling to spend in January for a player the club might be able to sign on more favourable terms in the summer.
Where the rumours came from
The Neves-to-Madrid talk picked up after comments attributed to Al Jaber (a former Al-Hilal player), suggesting Real Madrid could be an attractive destination. That sparked headlines, but the report insists the financial and strategic reality makes the move unlikely.
What this means for Madrid’s winter window
The report adds that the coaching staff have pushed for reinforcements due to injuries and squad needs, but the club believes those issues can be handled without breaking their mid-season spending discipline.