Midfielder, Ruben Neves has departed Wolves for Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in a £46.9m transfer.
Neves’ departure ends his six-year stint at Molineux where he has scored 30 goals in 253 appearances following his move from Porto in July 2017, during which he helped the club win promotion to the Premier League in his first season at Molineux.
Barcelona were amongst various clubs who showed an interest in signing Neves during his time at Molineux, with talks in recent weeks between Wolves and the Catalonian club having broken down.
Al Hilal subsequently swooped for the 26 year-old in a club-record £46.9m transfer with Neves signing a three-year contract to join the Saudi-Arabian club, as part of Wolves’ need to stay within tough Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules surrounding the club.
Speaking about Neves’ departure, Wolves’ Sporting Director – Matt Hobbs commented: “Everyone at Wolves would like to thank Ruben for all he has done for the club throughout his six years here. Not only for his effort and commitment as a player, but also as a person off the pitch.
“Ruben is the embodiment of everything you look for when trying to bring players into a football club; a leader, a humble man and an extremely talented footballer who took Wolves to a different level.
“He was part of a great era for this club and will go down as one of our best ever players. We are grateful for everything he has done for Wolves and wish him and his family the very best for the future.”
Neves meanwhile issued an open farewell letter to supporters in which he described the club as like “home” and praised his past and present teammates for becoming “friends for life” with their “incredible” unity and spirit to keep Wolves in the Premier League.
Summing up the dressing room, Neves said: “There are no words to describe our dressing room, with a team spirit that I’ve never experienced before. And then to become captain for the final year made me so proud.”
Neves’ departure will allow manager – Julen Lopetegui more freedom in his transfer plans this summer to revamp the squad, after the Spaniard considered leaving Wolves after just six months in charge due to the club’s FFP difficulties.
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