Ruben-Neves-celebrates-scoring-for-Wolves
Wolves have reluctantly accepted the “huge blow” of losing star midfielder Ruben Neves this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The Lowdown: Neves to leave?
The Portuguese’s future has been a big talking point at Molineux for some time now, with endless rumours constantly linking him with a move away from the club.
Neves looked almost certain to depart last summer but ended up staying put and his influence has remained great this season, with the 25-year-old starting 27 matches in the Premier League in 2022/23 to date.
His current Wolves deal expires at the end of next season, however, and with an extension looking highly unlikely, it seems only natural that he will leave in the next transfer window.
That way, Wanderers would be able to receive a hefty amount of money for his services, rather than getting nothing for arguably their most prized assets 12 months later.
The Latest: Wolves accept ‘huge blow’
Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke admitted that this summer will likely see Wolves cave and receive offers:
“Losing Neves would be a huge blow for Wolves. He’s been a key player for them over the last few years.
“Coming into the final year of his contract, if no new deal can be agreed, I think Wolves will reluctantly have to consider offers for the Portuguese midfielder.”
The Verdict: What a great servant
In truth, it would be a huge shock if Neves was still a Wolves player next season, with a summer exit feeling even more likely than it did last time around, when he appeared to wave goodbye to supporters on the final day.
At 25, the 37-cap Portugal international will surely feel that he is ready to play for a bigger club competing in European competitions, having given six years of fantastic service to Wanderers.
In total, Neves has made 244 appearances for Wolves and helped inspire them to a return to the Premier League back in 2018 – if they were to go back down to the Championship, his exit would be even more nailed-on.
The midfielder has earned a move to a Champions League-playing team, with Barcelona so often linked with signing him – Jose Sa has called his teammate an ‘amazing’ player – and he can become a star away from Wolves as the years pass.
It would be hard for any Wanderers fan to have an issue with him wanting to leave, especially given the loyalty he has shown over the past six seasons.
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