If recent reports are to be believed, we’re going to have an interesting 2026 in terms of transfer negotiations with the Saudi Pro League.

This past week alone, we’ve seen club stalwart and leadership figure Kieran Trippier linked to Neom Sports Club, as we rapidly approach the last time we’ll be able to sell the defender before he likely leaves in the summer.

And there were recent links to Al-Hilal and former Wolves star Ruben Neves, as the Portuguese international looks set to leave Saudi Arabia and return to European football come the end of his current deal in June.

However, a new report explains why we were unlikely to land the midfielder over the next four weeks…

Saudi star unlikely to sign

According to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, Newcastle are unlikely to land Al Hilal star Ruben Neves on loan this month.

The 28-year-old Portuguese international has been linked with a mid-season move to St James’ Park, with Newcastle and Manchester United tipped to launch loan bids.

However, it’s believed that new sporting director Ross Wilson is sticking to the plan of targeting younger alternatives, with the former Nottingham Forest chief eager to lower the average age within our squad and pursue players aged 24 and under.

Writing in his latest transfer piece for The Athletic, Waugh said: ‘A loan move for Al Hilal’s Ruben Neves, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder, appears unlikely, despite reports, given he is 28 — Newcastle want to continue their policy of primarily signing players aged 24 and under — and is not the profile being sought.’

Wilson eyeing younger alternatives?

Our list of currently-linked transfer targets certainly gives us a good idea of the kind of player Eddie Howe and Ross Wilson want to see brought into the club in January.

The likes of Kees Smit (19) and Kevin Danois (21), both young European midfields with immense potential, could be brought in January to immediately plug a hole in the first team whilst still being afforded time and minutes to develop their skills and get up to Howe’s levels.

But the Neves case is interesting: whilst wages could be a slight issue, to simply turn our nose up at a midfielder of his calibre because of his age is may be a mistake when a mid-season boost is needed.

Neves in particular boasts European football experience, will be wanting to fight for a spot in Portugal’s World Cup squad, and would be a welcome rotation option to afford Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali extra games to rest: hopefully us not moving forward with a move for Neves isn’t a sign for things to come in regards to our recruitment in 2026.