Ruben Neves set to join Al-Hilal in record £47m deal

Wolverhampton Wanderers star Ruben Neves is reportedly very close to joining Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. 

According to BBC Sport, the West Midlands outfit have agreed a club record £47 million deal with the Pro League side for the 26-year-old. 

He has been linked with Manchester United, Liverpool and Barcelona in the past but now looks poised to head to the Middle East. 

Neves has been one of the most important players for the Wanderers since joining the club in the summer of 2017. 

They were playing in the Championship when he first arrived but he helped his side secure Premier League promotion in his first season.

Wolves have successfully maintained their top-flight status since then, with Neves playing a big part in all that. 

So far, he has made 253 appearances across all competitions at the Molineux Stadium, with 30 goals and 13 assists to his name. 

The Portugal international was one of the best players for the Wanderers last season as he started 33 league games and made seven goal contributions. 

But with his contract expiring in June 2024, Wolves have decided to cash in on the player. 

Neves will likely agree very lucrative terms with Al-Hilal but the move is still greatly surprising. 

He turned 26 in March and is just entering his prime years. The Portuguese could have moved to another European league like the La Liga or Serie A to compete for major trophies. Instead, he decided to join the Blue Waves who compete in the Saudi Professional League.