When a star signs on, the blue wave stays: Neves renews with Al Hilal through 2028
12 November 2025
Sporting reports reveal that Saudi club Al Hilal has secured Ruben Neves after a lengthy round of negotiations between the sides recently.
Neves has been a key pillar since arriving in the summer of 2023 from Wolverhampton Wanderers, valued at 55 million euros initially.
The blue side remains committed to all its core pillars, aiming to stay in the running for every trophy, having already renewed contracts with Sergei Milinkovic-Savic and Yassine Bono.
New Contract
The Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadhiya has reported that Neves has agreed to a two-year extension, taking him through the summer of 2028.
Club officials sealed the deal before the player free-agent window opens in January, with all financial details to be announced soon.
Neves Achievements with Al Hilal
Since arriving two years ago, the Portuguese midfielder has contributed 104 appearances, 12 goals and 25 assists, helping Al Hilal win four domestic titles.
This season he has played 18 matches, scoring four goals and creating three more, and he has been part of the historic Al Hilal run to the quarterfinals of the Club World Cup.
Tactical Impact and Ambitions
Since coach Simone Inzaghi took charge, Neves has been seen as more than a midfielder: he is the brain that sets the tempo and links solid defense to creative attack.
His movement, long passes and field vision allow quick transitions and give Al Hilal a strategic edge rarely seen in Asia.
Renewing the deal does not end the road; staying sharp amid a crowded squad and heavy schedules will be the real test, with targets at domestic and continental levels.
The 28-year-old will also chase a European return, while fans still demand first place and media scrutiny remains intense.
Two seasons from now, Neves could be a different leader in the middle and a stepping stone back toward Europe if his form holds.
Punchline 1: If renewals were comedies, Neves just delivered the season's best sequel.
Punchline 2: And if football runs on engines, he’s tuning the whole show—and the press briefing too, with a straight face and two perfect assists of humor.
