Wolverhampton Wanderers ace Ruben Neves had his future widely speculated about over the course of the January window – with Tim Spiers believing a contract offer could be on the cards.
The Portuguese midfielder still has until 2024 on his Molineux contract, but recent reports have suggested there is strong interest coming from both Arsenal and Manchester United.
Bruno Lage saw one of his inherited stars leave last month after a drawn-out transfer saga, as Adama Traore eventually left for Barcelona on one of the final days of the window.
Neves has proven to be a regular feature in the 45-year-old’s starting XI, with 19 appearances already to his name this season in the Premier League alone.
Do you expect Neves to sign a new deal?
Yes
No
And Spiers feels the Old Gold will be hoping to avoid another transfer saga with Neves in the summer with a new contract which could deter any potential suitors.
“However, with his contract up in 2024, the last thing Wolves will want is another Adama Traore situation, so a new contract for Neves or a big-money sale, after five years at the club, could be on the cards,” Spiers wrote for The Athletic.
A big statement from Bruno Lage
Given the 24-year-old midfielder is attracting attention from clubs the size of Arsenal and Manchester United, it would certainly be a big statement for Wolves if Neves was to commit his future to the club.
Wolves have made an impressive start to life under Lage, with the Wanderers currently sitting in eighth spot of the Premier League table and just two points behind the Gunners.
Manager Bruno Lage even said himself that the midfielder is vital to Wolves’ ambitions and hopes.
So Neves extending his stay at Molineux would certainly suggest there is a belief within the club they are heading in the right direction under the Portuguese manager.
Dendoncker done?
However, what could Neves’ potential contract extension mean for some of the players who are already at Wolves, and in particular, Leander Dendoncker?
The Belgian midfielder has found it difficult to nail down a spot in Lage’s starting XI on a consistent basis, with Neves and Joao Moutinho making up the midfield pair. Indeed, the midfielder has largely been used in a tactical manner when Lage decides to deploy three midfielders in certain matches. But this has only resulted in him starting nine out of the club’s 21 games in the Premier League.
So if Neves was to extend his stay at Molineux, would that leave the 26-year-old Belgian considering whether he would have to leave for regular first-team action, or would he continue to fight for a spot at Wolves?
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