Manchester United's hopes of strengthening their squad in the January transfer window have been dealt a significant double setback, according to fresh reports.
Neves Set for Madrid Move
Former Al Hilal player Mohammed Al Jaber has claimed that midfielder Ruben Neves is poised to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, dealing a direct blow to United's own interests. The Red Devils had been monitoring the 28-year-old Portuguese international, whose contract with the Saudi Pro League side expires in little over six months.
Neves, who previously starred for Wolverhampton Wanderers, could have been available for a fee in the region of £20 million this month. However, his substantial wages of around £350,000-a-week in Saudi Arabia were always likely to be a complicating factor. Al Jaber, who also had a spell at Wolves, stated on MBC that he fears Neves will leave for free at the season's end and head to the Spanish capital.
United's Midfield Search Continues
The potential snub from Neves is a problem for United, as signing a central midfielder remains a priority for manager Ruben Amorim. The club has been linked with several other options including Brighton's Carlos Baleba, Chelsea's Conor Gallagher, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, and Newcastle's Elliot Anderson.
Real Madrid's approach is seen as a classic low-risk, high-reward manoeuvre, securing an experienced player without a transfer fee. Al Jaber added that while Premier League clubs were offering Neves three-year deals, the lure of the Bernabéu appears to have won out.
Semenyo Also Slips Away
In a further blow to United's winter plans, it has also emerged that Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo is set to choose Manchester City over a move to Old Trafford. The Ghanaian attacker, who met with Amorim last summer, is reportedly keen on a switch to the Etihad Stadium and could be available for around £65 million.
When questioned about January business, Amorim was notably cautious, emphasising a long-term vision rather than short-term fixes. "We'll see," he said. "The only thing we know is that we only would try to bring players that we think are going to be the future."
The Portuguese coach explicitly ruled out signing players simply to cover for absences during the Africa Cup of Nations, insisting any addition must be perfect for the club's long-term project. These twin setbacks mean United's recruitment team must now look elsewhere as they aim to bolster the squad for the second half of the season.
