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Ruben Neves is a target for a host of clubs across Europe as the January window enters its final two weeks.
The Portuguese international has been a star player for Wolves since he arrived in 2017 but could be keen on a new challenge at a bigger club.
Liverpool, Newcastle and Barcelona are all said to be interested in Neves but will have a tough task prying him away mid-season.
With his talents in demand this winter, we turn the spotlight on the 25-year-old midfield general.
Midfield maestro
Neves is known for his direct and excellent range of passing, something Liverpool have lacked in recent games.
In the 2022-23 campaign, the midfielder has attempted 1,095 passes in the Premier League, with only 10 players able to record more.
This is an impressive achievement considering Wolves are fighting to survive relegation under Julen Lopetegui.
Furthermore, Neves ranks fifth for the most long passes completed (113) this season, and tenth for the most touches of the ball (1,372).
Compared to veteran Jordan Henderson, there is little argument to suggest that the England international could give the Wolves star a run for his money.
Neves averages 2.11 shots per 90 compared to Henderson’s 1.22 and ranks above him in passing accuracy, long passes completed and crosses per game.
Willing to compromise
Neves finds himself in a difficult position in the Midlands as he still has 18 months left on his contract.
It means that should a club decide to make a move for the No8, Wolves would likely demand a hefty fee for one of their best players — with reports valuing him at around the £60million mark.
The maestro has options available to him and time on his side. He could sit comfortably and see out his contract, leaving him free to join a club of his choice next year at 27.
Liverpool have proven they are willing to spend big in recent seasons and Newcastle are looking to create a squad capable of challenging for honours regularly.
With Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago all approaching or on the wrong side of 30, it would not be surprising to see Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool go all in for Neves.
Lopetegui’s resilience
Lopetegui has fired Wolves out of the relegation zone since he arrived in November and will not be keen to sell his star players in the middle of the season.
Speaking on the Neves rumours, he said: “We are not thinking about the possibility of moving out players, we are thinking about the possibility of bringing them in.
“I understand the interest in the transfer window but our interest is only for the match. Ruben Neves is a fantastic player, he is a Wolves player and he will continue being a Wolves player.”
At the start of the season, Neves himself opened the door for a move, saying: “If you ask me at the end of last season I would have said to you, ‘I will leave,’ but I’m still here, so we never know what’s going to happen.
“Everyone knows what football is about, what our lives are about. Our careers are really short, we need to take the opportunities we have.
“Of course, all of us have dreams and we need to live those dreams in a short space of time. Let’s see what happens. I cannot say too much about it.”
Where would he fit?
Liverpool already have an expert passer in former Bayern Munich star Thiago, and Newcastle boast Bruno Guimaraes in their arsenal.
Henderson currently plays in a No8 role and is often the one who looks to drive forward with the ball and either switch the play or put in a teasing cross.
It is unlikely that he will remain a starter over the next few years and Neves is an obvious replacement for the 32-year-old.
His direct passing would work in perfect harmony with Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez, who often look to run in behind the defence.
Newcastle are still in the process of replacing the old crop of players and with Guimaraes injured could look to bring in Neves to challenge him.
Although it seems a Premier League move is more likely, Neves could also have a number of options available to him across Europe in the coming months.
He could go a long way to proving he deserves one by starring against Manchester City’s talented midfield on Sunday.
