latest news : a star player says he was on the verge of signing for Barcelona, discusses failed Arsenal move

Ruben Neves, a Portugal and Al-Hilal midfielder, has confirmed that he came close to joining Barcelona after rumours swirled around him for nearly a year. The former Wolves playmaker also spoke about his aborted move to Arsenal.

It was rather surprising when Neves, despite interest from a number of top teams, left Porto as captain to join Wolves, aided by connections to his agent Jorge Mendes. Neves moved to Al-Hilal this summer for €55 million, but he never made it to one of the Premier League’s or elsewhere’s powerhouse clubs.

“I was close to three clubs, but it didn’t happen, which saddened me and influenced my decision to join Al Hilal,” he told O Jogo, as reported by Sport.

“I didn’t want to name names, but Barcelona was one of the hottest, and I wasn’t kidding. It almost occurred, just like it did with Arsenal. Then there was another club based outside of England. These were the events that led up to this excellent opportunity, which I accepted without hesitation. I was already hardened by transfers that did not occur.”

Despite the fact that Aymeric Laporte and Jordan Henderson questioned the Saudi Pro League proposal, Neves remained hopeful about its potential.

“Playing in Saudi Arabia makes me feel no different from my counterparts in Europe. My physical ability is excellent. I’m on track to one day return to Europe and compete at the greatest levels. But, to be honest, I don’t intend to return soon. Following this trajectory, Saudi Arabia might have one of the world’s most important leagues within two years.”

“There is no secret: the level of the players who arrive is really good. If each team chooses eight foreigners of that caliber, this practically becomes a PlayStation championship in which we can pick the players we want. I think I’ll be here in two years, maybe even longer.”

Mendes’ connections to Barcelona President Joan Laporta meant that Neves was long considered as a replacement for Sergio Busquets, however Xavi Hernandez supposedly opposed his signing. The Blaugrana are still seeking for Busquets’ heir, but based on Neves’ asking price, a deal for him would have been out of their reach anyhow.