Newcastle United continue to live in an era that once felt impossible for large parts of the fanbase. Since the Saudi-backed PIF takeover, the club has been transformed both on and off the pitch, shifting from survival battles to competing with the elite of English and European football.
The investment has not only changed results but has reshaped expectations, belief, and ambition across Tyneside. For a generation of supporters, this period is already filled with memories that will last forever.
There have been moments when spending felt heavy, especially during the early days of the project, but those decisions gave Eddie Howe the tools he needed to rebuild the squad properly.
That backing delivered tangible success when Newcastle lifted the Carabao Cup last season, ending a 56-year wait for silverware. What once felt like a distant dream suddenly became reality, and it set a new standard for what this club believes it can achieve.
Regular finishes near the top of the Premier League have followed, along with repeated appearances on the Champions League stage. Newcastle are no longer tourists in elite competitions.
They belong there, and that belief is reflected in how the club now approaches transfer windows. Each market is viewed as another chance to strengthen, refine, and push forward rather than simply plug gaps.
As January approaches, Newcastle are once again preparing to be active. Injuries have exposed areas of the squad that need support, particularly in defence and midfield.
Names such as Tarik Muharemovic have already been linked, with competition from clubs like Juventus suggesting Newcastle are targeting players with real pedigree and upside. At the same time, attention is also turning toward midfield, where another statement signing could be made.
Ruben Neves has emerged as a serious option. According to reports, Newcastle have already held discussions with Al Hilal about the Portuguese midfielder, who is keen on returning to the Premier League.
That desire alone makes the situation interesting, but Newcastle’s ownership links to Saudi football may give them an edge that other English clubs do not possess.
This would not be unfamiliar territory for Newcastle. Back in January 2022, the club made a bold winter move to sign Bruno Guimarães, a transfer that helped define the new era.
That deal was one of the first major signals that Newcastle meant business. Guimarães has since become the heartbeat of the team, making close to 180 appearances and regularly delivering top-level performances in domestic and European competitions.
His impact this season has once again been clear, with goals, assists, and leadership setting the tone in midfield. Newcastle fans know how rare it is to land a player who not only improves the team instantly but also grows into a symbol of the club’s rise. That is why comparisons between Guimarães and Neves are now being drawn.
Neves, like Guimarães was at the time, arrives with Premier League experience, leadership qualities, and a complete midfield skill set.
His years at Wolves proved his quality long before his move to Saudi Arabia, and his performances there suggest he has lost none of his sharpness. In fact, his numbers indicate a player who could step straight back into English football without missing a beat.
Below is a simple look at Ruben Neves’ current season output, which highlights why Newcastle see him as such an attractive option:
| Statistic (per 90) | Ruben Neves 2025/26 |
|---|---|
| Games played | 9 |
| Goals scored | 4 |
| Pass completion | 91% |
| Chances created | 1.4 |
| Touches per game | 97 |
| Times dispossessed | 0 |
| Duels won | 67% |
| Recoveries made | 5.1 |
These numbers paint a very clear picture. Neves is calm and secure on the ball, rarely giving possession away while constantly staying involved in the game.
His passing accuracy places him among the best in his current league, and his ability to dictate tempo mirrors many of the qualities Newcastle fans admire in Guimarães.
What stands out even more is his work without the ball. Neves remains strong in duels, intelligent in positioning, and reliable when it comes to winning possession back.
He reads the game well, breaks up play, and offers protection to the defence while still contributing going forward. That balance is exactly what Howe values in his midfield system.
At 28, Neves is also at a perfect stage of his career. He brings experience without being past his peak, leadership without slowing the pace, and composure in high-pressure moments.
Football analysts have even described him as one of the most underrated players in the modern game, a label that often fits players who quietly elevate every team they play for.
The financial details of any potential deal remain unclear, but from a sporting point of view, the logic is easy to understand. Newcastle are not just building for tomorrow; they are strengthening for now.
Adding a player like Neves would increase depth, reduce reliance on key individuals, and help the team manage the demands of domestic and European football.
If Newcastle can pull off this move, it could feel very similar to the day Guimarães arrived. A January signing that shifts momentum, lifts standards, and excites supporters. Should Neves adapt quickly and deliver at a similar level, he would not only improve the squad but could also write his own chapter in this remarkable Newcastle story.
