Barca's and Arsenal's indecisiveness pushed Neves to chose Saudi Arabia

One transfer window after another, many clubs danced around Ruben Neves to lure him. Barcelona 'hung around' Molineux Stadium the most, but when those responsible for finalizing transfers from the Catalan club had to make a specific move - they were just too indecisive.

During July last year and on several occasions earlier they inquired about the health of the Portuguese midfielder, and held discussions with the player... They didn't give up, but they delayed. They were probably looking for better solutions. Ruben Neves got tired of waiting and accepted Al Hilal's offer. He moved to Saudi Arabia and was later joined by several star names such as Senegalese Kalidou Koulibaly, the Serbian duo Aleksandar Mitrović and Sergej Milinković-Savić, Brazilians Neymar and Malcom. Wolverhampton were also satisfied with such an outcome, since 55,000,000 euros came to their account.

To make things even better, Wolves did not give the midfielder to any of the rivals in the Premier League. And that possibility was also in circulation because Arsenal was interested, however, the moment they signed Declan Rice, they were no longer thinking about Neves.

"I was close to three clubs. In the end, that transfer didn't happen and that made me sad, but it also helped me make the decision to join Al Hilal," Ruben Neves told O Jogo:

"Barcelona was one of the best options. That's not a lie, it was supposed to happen. Just like with Arsenal".

Since arriving at Al Hilal, the Portuguese international has scored four and set up six goals. He has a lot of minutes, an important role and now he does not regret that he made such a move and moved to Saudi Arabia. However, he waited until the last moment, he wanted to stay in Europe.

"There was another interested club from England, but I would not like to reveal the name. I got tired of nothing happening and then I seized this golden opportunity", said Ruben Neves.