Wolves have confirm the departure of their captain Ruben Neves to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal for a club record £47m.
The Portugal midfielder scored 30 goals in 253 appearances during six seasons at Molineux.
Wolves released an essay in response, beginning with:
“Although Wolves’ modern-day king has abdicated his throne, Ruben Neves’ legacy will shine on at the golden palace for eternity.”
Neves is the latest big-name player to leave a European club for Saudi Arabia’s Pro League.
Earlier this month Karim Benzema left Real Madrid for Al-Ittihad, joining former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo who signed for Al-Nassr in January.
Midfielder N’Golo Kante agreed a deal to leave Chelsea and join France team-mate Benzema at Al-Ittihad earlier this week.
Neves said at the end of last season he was ambitious amid interest from Barcelona,
but with the La Liga champions were not able to come up with an acceptable offer Neves opted for Saudi Arabia.
The fee paid by Al-Hilal surpasses the £41m that Wolves received for Diogo Jota when he switched to Liverpool in 2020.
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It is also the biggest transfer fee paid by a Saudi Pro League side, dwarfing the reported 18m euro (£15.4m) deal that took Matheus Pereira from West Brom to Al-Hilal in 2021.
Neves, who helped Wolves gain promotion from the Championship in 2017-18 and then consolidate in the Premier League,
described his time at Molineux as “an unbelievable journey” in an open letter to the club’s supporters.
He said:
“The way we worked together, the way we fought for the club, what we achieved and all the moments we spent together was unbelievable.
“There are no words to describe our dressing room, with a team spirit that I’ve never experienced before. And then to become captain for the final year made me so proud.
“My kids grew up in Wolverhampton and they were so happy here. Me and my lovely wife will never forget the time we had here as a family.”
Watch Below His Magic Moment:
