Is FC Bayern looking to sign a player from the Saudi Pro League? According to the latest reports, the Munich club have already made their first move
FC Bayern are continuing to sound out the international transfer market and apparently have a prominent name on their radar. According to consistent reports, Rúben Neves is on the German record champions‘ list. As the Spanish sports newspaper AS reports, Munich have already held initial talks with the Portuguese international’s entourage. Although there are not yet any concrete negotiations, interest has been expressed
The background is clear: Neves is still under contract with top Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal until the summer. Although an extension is the declared aim of his current employer, the 28-year-old has not yet made a final decision. It is precisely this situation that makes the experienced midfielder interesting for several top European clubs – in addition to FC Bayern, Manchester United, Atlético Madrid and Juventus Turin are also said to have made inquiries
Will Neves be Goretzka’s replacement?
Al Hilal are keen to keep the strategist and, according to AS, have made him an extremely lucrative offer until 2028. This not only includes a significant salary increase, but apparently also an internal concession: a gentlemen’s agreement should allow Neves to leave the club in the summer of 2027 should an attractive return to Europe arise. His current market value is estimated at 25 million euros
At the same time, speculation surrounding a return to top-level European soccer continues unabated, with the British Times recently reporting that Neves is considering a return to the Premier League in particular
For FC Bayern, Neves is particularly exciting because he is a type of player that is currently only covered to a limited extent in the squad. The Portuguese brings calmness, overview and enormous experience, is regarded as a pacemaker with strong passing quality and a dangerous long-range shot – qualities that are highly valued in Munich
Does Rúben Neves fit into Bayern’s plans?
Whether a possible Neves transfer is actually realistic depends on several factors. In sporting terms, the 63-time international would fit well into Munich’s midfield with his profile – especially as an experienced source of order alongside younger players. At the same time, there is a lot of competition in the center at FC Bayern. With Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic and Tom Bischof, those responsible are increasingly focusing on internal solutions and future models
There is also the financial component. Even if Neves were available on a free transfer, the overall package including hand money and salary is likely to be demanding. Especially after the experiences of recent years, Bayern are increasingly careful not to burden the salary structure unnecessarily. A player like Neves would therefore only be seriously considered if he has a clearly defined role in sporting terms and fits into the overall structure economically.