“I Have 3 Children and a Wife”: Barcelona Target Ruben Neves Explains Why He Moved to Saudi Arabia

• Ruben Neves has explained why he moved to the Saudi Pro League
• At the tender age of 26, Neves' move to the Middle East has raised a lot of eyebrows
• He was on the scoresheet for Al-Hilal in his debut game during pre-season

Ruben Neves, the former captain of Wolverhampton Wanderers, has shed light on his decision to leave Europe and make a surprising move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

Despite attracting interest from prominent European clubs, including FC Barcelona, Neves opted to join the wave of high-profile footballers transferring to the Saudi Pro League.

As reported by Fan Nation, the 26-year-old became the most expensive foreign player to be imported into the Saudi top flight in terms of his transfer fee, although Al-Ittihad's Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr enjoy significantly higher salaries.

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This transfer also marked Neves as the most expensive player ever sold by Wolves, where he had a successful stint, accumulating 177 Premier League appearances, 21 goals, and nine assists.

Neves recently made his debut for Al-Hilal during their pre-season victory against Austrian team Wolfsberger on July 14, as the start of the Saudi Pro League approaches.

When asked about his unexpected choice to leave Europe for the Middle East, Neves responded with straightforward honesty.

“To give my family the life I always dreamed of for them, this was the main reason that made me have no doubts about accepting this proposal. I have three children and a wife. Taking care of them is my biggest trophy," he said as quoted by Zach Lowy.

Al-Hilal's Saudi fixture list

Al Hilal, who made it to the finals of both the FIFA Club World Cup and AFC Champions League last season, will commence their journey under the guidance of new Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus.

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They will kick off their campaign with an away game against Abha, scheduled for 6 pm on Monday, August 14, according to SPL.

In addition to their new coach, Al Hilal is set to introduce three notable summer signings to Saudi football.

Ruben Neves from English Premier League side Wolves. Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea, while Sergej Milinkovic-Savic also joined the club from Lazio.

These high-profile additions are expected to strengthen Al Hilal as they enter the 2023-24 season.

Stars who left Europe too early

Sports Brief looks at seven players, including Ruben Neves, who may have left European leagues too early.

Ruben Neves became the latest star player to sign for a team in Saudi Arabia when he left Wolverhampton Wanderers for Al-Hilal on Friday, June 23.

At 26 years of age, fans have questioned the move, but it is not the first strange move of his career. He left Porto to join Wolves in the Championship after becoming the youngest captain in the Champions League.