Dave Edwards: Wolves star Ruben Neves putting family first with mega-money move
Ruben Neves has probably had a few sleepless nights when this move to Al Hilal came around, with so much to consider.
But this goes beyond his footballing dreams when someone puts a contract in front of you like what he is being offered. All of a sudden, you have to look at it and weigh up the pros and cons.
The money he will earn could secure several generations of Ruben’s family. He’s a very clever man, astute, intelligent and a family man – so any decision he makes will not purely be about money, but maybe what the money can do.
He will have thought long and hard about it, but he’s a family man and he’s put his family first on this occasion. I don’t blame him whatsoever, I’d be doing the same.
What will be important during his time in Saudi Arabia, whether that is one year or the full length of his contract, is him staying in the Portugal team.
Ruben will need to stay in and around the team to keep his name out there. The Saudi league has more eyes on it with the players they’re signing, but it will be huge to stay in the Portugal squad as lots of teams will take him when the opportunity arises, and he’ll still be at a good age.
For Saudi, it’s one of their most important signings so far, by taking someone in their prime who was interesting clubs in Europe.
