Could Saudi Pro League Leaders Al-Hilal Be About to Lose Ruben Neves to Premier League’s Newcastle United On Loan As Sandro Tonali’s Replacement?
Al-Hilal could be about to lose Ruben Neves with Premier League club Newcastle looking at a deal to bring Neves to St. James’ Park to replace Sandro Tonali, who is about to face a lengthy 10-month ban for violating betting rules.
According to TalkSPORT, the 26-year-old Neves is the preferred player to replace Tonali in Newcastle’s midfield. Neves only swapped the Premier League for the Saudi Pro League in the summer.
The possibility of this move is aided by the fact that the Saudi Public Investment Fund owns both Newcastle and Al-Hilal. A loan deal could help Newcastle plug the gap left by Tonali, who only joined the Magpies this summer from AC Milan.
For Al-Hilal, who are in a healthy position at the top of the Saudi Pro League, leading Al-Nassr by four points, this will come as bad news.
Ruben Neves, alongside Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, has been the mainstay of the Al-Hilal central midfield area. Neves’ performances have been brilliant, giving the Blues the basis to launch their title charge.
Losing the Portuguese midfielder will be a blow for Al-Hilal and might give the likes of Al-Nassr a way to challenge them closely as the Saudi Pro League heats up.
