18 Jun 2023 16:57:50
Just read that Ruben Neves is the latest player to be courted by Saudi. I get the money aspect, but surely he’s got more to offer in Europe first. He’s 26 and in the last year of his contract…. I think he’s a cracking player, would much rather have him than MM. Was really impressed when I saw him at Old Trafford, had a real calm presence about him.

Do any of the admins know if we still retain any interest in him?

{Ed002's Note - Manchester United has moved on.}

1.) 18 Jun 2023
18 Jun 2023 18:19:56
I think he'd be okay as a Casemiro alternative at the base of midfield, albeit in a very different mould of a No.6.

But I'm not sure he's a great fit for EtH's No.8 where he wants a combination of energy and defensive work rate off the ball and creativity and ball carrying ability on it.

Neves doesn't have the mobility or pace to play that style of No.8.

Having him as a controlling 6, taking the ball off the defence, breaking the first line of pressure and dictating play is what he's best at. But without a defensively diligent and mobile no.8 alongside him he can be overan.

2.) 18 Jun 2023
18 Jun 2023 18:41:30
Feels like we are seeing a new version of the Chinese league from a few years back, whether it survives longer only time will tell but could be likely as these big contracts seem to be centrally based with then allocated to the next team to spread the top players
I doubt this will be the last surprise signing.

3.) 18 Jun 2023
18 Jun 2023 19:02:30
Just posted something similar fireman. can't believe that players in their prime are going to saudi for the money. It seems the game really is becoming just a money game these days. I get it at the end of a player's career. But it is not that long ago that Neves was rumored to be a Barcelona bound player.

4.) 18 Jun 2023
18 Jun 2023 20:49:42
I think there's a little shift in Saudi this season. It's not just players at the ends of their careers going there for a final pay day, but increasingly younger players looking for a quick buck too who are maybe not so fussed about European honours. Maybe if it escalates further it will one day be the cream of the players being tempted.

5.) 18 Jun 2023
18 Jun 2023 21:15:57
Not sure why nobody can believe this? They’re transient employees who have a shelf life on earnings. Why not go? Ronaldo was the big one they bagged and others will now follow.

Heck I’d go to Saudi for 2-3 years if it made me a millionaire a few times over and come home.

{Ed014's Note - you forgot you need to actually be able to play footy Eric! ?

6.) 19 Jun 2023
19 Jun 2023 08:05:28
The fatal flaw in my plan Ed14.

{Ed014's Note - albeit a good one bar that minor hiccup ?

7.) 19 Jun 2023
19 Jun 2023 11:27:13
I do play 5 aside to an appalling standard regularly I’ll have you know. Might qualify me for a 12 month deal with an option to extend.

8.) 20 Jun 2023
20 Jun 2023 15:21:21
I played in the Saudi league in 90’s. There was brown envelopes in your shoes even back then. Playing in front of 1 man and his dog in huge stadiums on occasions.

Sad to see players at the top of their profession heading there now if I’m honest. It’s not like you’re not set up for life in any top league anyway.

But maybe becoming “super wealthy” not just footballer wealthy appeals to some. I still have my first pay check £29.50 a week YTS apprentice and was happy with that.

{Ed002's Note - This is all happening on the back of a successful World Cup in the Middle East and the need to seek alternate income to oil. Sport has become a major focus for investment - as will tourism.}

9.) 20 Jun 2023
20 Jun 2023 20:10:00
It’s one thing big events like world cups etc going there. Dubai has had golf, tennis, cricket, Rigby 7’s, horse racing for years.

I can’t blame the Saudis for pushing the tourism angle and oil alternatives. I made a decent living there and enjoyed the place.

Even big world title boxing can produce great ticket sales. But it’s the top level players turning away from meaningful league titles, champions leagues etc just for money seems hard to grasp.