Ruben Neves could join Newcastle United on loan from Saudi Club Al-Hilal quest for reinforcements in the midfield department has taken an intriguing twist, with reports surfacing that they are contemplating a loan move for Ruben Neves, a prominent star in the Saudi Pro League. This unexpected turn of events has been necessitated by the shocking news of Sandro Tonali’s 10-month ban from football, which has left Newcastle manager Eddie Howe scrambling to address the void left by the Italian.
Tonali’s ban was revealed by Italian authorities who unearthed evidence of illegal betting, a transgression that FIFA subsequently extended worldwide. This development threw a wrench into Howe’s plans, as he had been banking on Tonali, the £52 million summer signing, to bolster Newcastle’s midfield against Wolves. However, with the ban in place, the Italian sensation will be sidelined until the early stages of the upcoming season.
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Ruben Neves A Potential Replacement For Sandro Tonali
In light of this predicament, Newcastle is considering revisiting their past and potentially rekindling their ties with Ruben Neves, who previously plied his trade at Wolverhampton Wanderers. The reports have suggested that a move for the Portuguese international is on the table, with the January transfer window being the opportune time to make the transition.
Neves, an accomplished midfielder, ventured into new territory during the summer, transferring to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League for a significant sum of £47 million. This marked the conclusion of his six-season stint at Wolves, during which he notched up an impressive 253 appearances. It’s worth noting that Al-Hilal is part of the extensive portfolio of Saudi Pro League teams owned by the country’s Public Investment Fund, which also holds a majority stake in Newcastle. This shared ownership structure could potentially facilitate negotiations.
Newcastle’s openness to seeking loan deals from PIF-owned clubs in Saudi Arabia was made clear by Eddie Howe in July, as he expressed a pragmatic approach to strengthening his squad. He emphasized that any decisions regarding loans would be guided by Newcastle’s best interests.
Ruben Neves has been acclimatizing to his new environment at Al-Hilal, accumulating 14 appearances and even finding the back of the net on one occasion. A potential loan move for Neves to Newcastle appears to be a tactical response to financial constraints that might prevent the permanent acquisition of out-of-favor Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
As the specter of Sandro Tonali’s ban looms, Newcastle’s immediate challenges include a clash with Wolves and an encounter with Manchester United in the Carabao Cup. Tonali’s ban was officially addressed by the Italian FA, outlining an 18-month sanction that encompasses a 10-month suspension from football, coupled with an eight-month therapeutic plan aimed at aiding his recovery from gambling addiction. Part of this plan entails making at least 16 public appearances in Italy at amateur sports associations and federal territorial centers.
The financial ramifications of Tonali’s ban are also being examined by Newcastle, who are reportedly exploring strategies to mitigate his wages during the suspension period. Unlike Brentford’s Ivan Toney, Tonali is expected to be permitted to engage in training and behind-closed-doors matches at Newcastle, albeit with the caveat that he would be ineligible for participation in the Euros should Italy qualify.
A Possible Premier League Return For Ruben Neves
Amid this unfolding saga, the potential return of Ruben Neves to the Premier League as a Newcastle United player presents an intriguing narrative and one that fans will watch with bated breath. Newcastle’s midfield conundrum and their continued exploration of options in Saudi Arabia’s top flight will undoubtedly add another layer of drama to this footballing saga.
