Real Madrid have decided against pursuing Ruben Neves during the January transfer window, despite reports of prior exploratory interest in the Portuguese midfielder. The 29-year-old, who has been at Wolverhampton Wanderers since his £47m move from Porto in 2017, remains under contract until summer 2027 following an extension signed in 2023. Madrid's rejection of any January option aligns with their current midfield hierarchy under interim manager Alvaro Arbeloa, where Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Luka Modric continue to dominate selection.
The decision comes amid a broader review of midfield options at the Bernabeu, where Madrid have also passed on other targets in the current window. Neves' profile — a deep-lying playmaker with excellent passing range, defensive discipline, and set-piece threat — has long appealed to elite clubs, including previous links to Manchester City and Liverpool. Yet Madrid's current setup, even with Modric turning 41 in September 2026, prioritises continuity over immediate additions. The club's financial constraints, including ongoing salary cap pressures in La Liga, further explain the cautious approach to a player whose wages and release clause would represent a significant commitment.
Neves' Situation at Wolves
At Molineux, Neves has remained a key figure under manager Vitor Pereira, starting 18 Premier League matches this season and contributing two goals and three assists. His leadership and composure in possession have been vital as Wolves battle relegation concerns, but the club's financial position — needing to balance books under PSR — keeps the door ajar for offers. Neves' £47m release clause, while still active, is viewed as negotiable in a depressed market for 29-year-olds, particularly given his high salary demands. Saudi Pro League clubs, including Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr, have maintained strong interest since summer 2024, with previous bids rejected by Wolves and the player himself preferring to stay in Europe for now.
A January move appeared unlikely from the outset due to the window's compressed nature and Wolves' reluctance to lose a captain mid-season. Madrid's decision reinforces that Neves is not currently seen as an urgent priority, though his name will likely resurface in summer discussions if Madrid seek a long-term successor to Modric or additional depth behind Valverde and Tchouameni.
Market Reaction and Betting Signals
Betting markets have shown little movement on Neves' next destination following the Madrid news, with prices remaining stable. Saudi clubs dominate the favourite positions, reflecting persistent financial power, while a return to Portugal or a move to Italy has attracted smaller interest. The latest Ruben Neves next club odds indicate market confidence in him staying at Wolves until at least summer 2026, with drifts on immediate January exits. This suggests punters view the Madrid rejection as confirmation of a quiet window for the midfielder.
Financially, any deal would require careful structuring. Wolves would seek to maximise return on a player they signed for £15.8m in 2017, while Neves' wage expectations — reportedly north of £100,000 per week — narrow potential destinations. A European move remains his preference, but the absence of concrete bids in January highlights the challenge of securing elite-level interest mid-season.
Outlook for Summer and Beyond
With the January window closing imminently, Neves appears set to remain at Wolves until at least the summer. His performances continue to attract attention, and a strong finish to the campaign could elevate his value ahead of 2026. For Madrid, passing on him now preserves resources for more pressing needs, though their midfield planning for the post-Modric era will keep Neves on the radar. For Wolves, retaining him provides stability in a survival fight, but the financial imperative to sell may intensify if relegation threats ease. The coming months will clarify whether Neves stays in England, returns to Portugal, or finally accepts a lucrative Saudi offer — but January 2026 has brought no breakthrough.