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RUNNING UP THAT HIL
Premier League side confirm shock £47m transfer of star midfielder to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal
WOLVES were laughing all the way to the bank last night after Ruben Neves completed a club-record £47million move to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
The Portugal international had originally targeted a dream move to Barcelona or a Premier League side with Champions' League ambitions.
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Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester United were all linked with the 26-year-old Wolves captain, who only had one year left on his contract.
However, Barcelona lacked the cash to back up their interest, which opened the door for the Saudi Pro League team to flex their financial muscle to land the hugely talented midfielder.
The Saudis blew their Premier League rivals out of the water with their enormous spending power, paying well above the market rate for a player entering the final year of his deal.
The move has raised fears of a growing Saudi influence distorting the domestic market as Neves, who scored 30 goals in 253 appearances for Wolves over six years, is in his prime.
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Karim Benzema completed a free transfer to Al-Ittihad this month and Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante has joined him, while Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in December.
But Neves is the first high-profile to make the Saudi switch while at the peak of his powers.
However, the huge financial windfall will help Wolves as they attempt to reduce debt as they strive to adhere to strict Financial Fair Play restrictions.
Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs said: "Ruben is a leader, a humble man and an extremely talented footballer who took Wolves to a different level.
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"He was part of a great era for this club and will go down as one of our best-ever players."
After leaving Wolves following six years at the club, in his farewell video, Neves said: "Wolves. Six seasons, 253 games, champions of the Championship, five years of Premier League football, an FA Cup semi-final, our European adventure and some huge wins.
"30 goals, 13 assists and thousands of memories to last forever.
"What an unbelievable journey. I've worked with so many amazing people along the way.
"From the kitman to the kitchen staff, ground staff to the board members. From the physios to coaches, technical staff.
"A big thank you to every single person I had the chance to work with.
"Every single moment was unforgettable. To all the players who were part of the club during the last six years, you are friends for life.
"The way we protected the badge was incredible."
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