Ruben Neves will cost any interested clubs £100m this summer, after Liverpool were linked with the midfielder.
That’s according to Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Bruno Lage. As quoted in The Athletic, Lage said that the valuation comes on the basis of Neves being a ‘special’ player.
“I don’t know if it’s Man United or other teams, what I know is we have a special player here with us,” said Lage.
“What he is doing this season is very good. I think also the way we play, he can show a better Ruben, and also the way he plays puts our team on a different level.”
The manager suggested that Wolves may yet attempt to renew Neves’ contract, which is due to expire in 2024.
“When you have that player, the best thing to do is improve his salary and years of contract,” he said.
“But who knows, when you have a top player like him in that specific position, that can defend and attack, and is a top professional and a great man, the big teams are there with £100 million to buy these kinds of players.”
That sounds a little fantastical from Lage. Neves is a very good player, but if Liverpool are interested in him, they certainly won’t do business at that kind of price.
Liverpool in the race
According to journalist Alex Crook speaking on TalkSport last July, The Reds wanted the player last summer. But Liverpool aren’t the only club rumoured to be keen on taking Neves away from Molineux. Both Arsenal and Manchester United were also mentioned as being heavily interested.
The price quoted then was £35m. That sounds like a more reasonable price for Neves.
Should Liverpool decide they do now want to replace the departed Gini Wijnaldum, the Portuguese midfielder would be a terrific option at that price.
Neves has bags of Premier League experience and still aged just twenty-five, can improve further playing alongside top players.
There’s little chance of Liverpool coming anywhere close to Lage’s £100m figure. Then again, there’s probably little chance any of the interested clubs would, that’s probably the whole point.
Lijnders gives Liverpool the edge
Liverpool have been reportedly heavily scouting the Portuguese league in recent times (Sky Sports). It’s been a few years since Neves played in his homeland, but his talents will be well known to at least one member of Jurgen Klopp’s inner-circle.
Klopp’s assistant manager Pep Lijnders worked at Porto between 2006 and 2014. Part of Lijnders’ role was to develop the club’s youth academy, of which Neves was a part of between 2005 until he made his debut in 2014.
The two are well known to each other, something Liverpool could look to use to their advantage.
“I know him very well, his ambition, his passion for the game, his professionalism. I know what he gives to the team and this type of player always interests us,” Lijnders said of Neves to O Jogo via The Mirror.
With a contract coming into the final two years, Wolves may need to make a decision on Neves’ future soon. If they’re willing to do business for a realistic figure this summer, Liverpool could do far worse.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
