The defensive midfielder that Florentino Pérez has in mind for Real Madrid

Apuesta a este partido aquí

La Liga

1 X 2

Real Madrid Rayo Vallecano

12/09/26 21:00:00

1.13 8.50 15.00

 PUBLICIDAD

Cuotas validas al publicarse, sujetas a cambios. Regístrese en bet365, ingrese 5€ o más en su cuenta y conseguirá un 100% de su ingreso válido en créditos de apuesta (hasta 100€). Solo para clientes nuevos. Se aplican las condiciones. Las ganancias no incluyen el importe de los créditos de apuesta. Se aplican premios máximos, restricciones de juego, límites de tiempo y condiciones. Es necesario registrarse.

Rúben Neves reappears on the horizon as a possible signing for Real Madrid in the upcoming January market. Florentino Pérez would be willing to make additions if José Mourinho identifies a deficiency in the squad, after the 29-year-old Al Hilal midfielder had already been offered to the club during the last winter market.

The change would imply breaking with a policy that the club has maintained in recent years. As explained by the journalist Rodra, Mourinho's arrival has given more weight to the coach's criteria, and the president would be willing to turn to the market if an opportunity arises that meets a specific need.

Rúben Neves, take a bow 😳🚀

🎥 @SPL_EN pic.com/Ry45Zed3sQ

— 433 (@433) January 8, 2026

Rúben Neves, the example that could change Real Madrid's policy

The case of Rúben Neves serves as a reference within the club. The Portuguese was offered to Real Madrid in January 2026, while still under contract with Al Hilal, but the club decided not to proceed with an immediate reinforcement of the midfield.

The contractual situation is different now. Neves renewed his contract with Al Hilal on February 4 until June 2029, so any attempt to sign him would require negotiation with the Saudi club. His market value currently stands at around 25 million euros.

The midfielder has also started the 2026/27 season as a starter. In his first five league games with Al Hilal, he has recorded 3 goals and 2 assists, playing 429 minutes. He is a profile that could reappear if Mourinho demands more midfield alternatives.

José Mourinho opens the door to January signings

The main novelty lies not only in Rúben Neves but in Real Madrid's willingness to reconsider its winter policy. The club has been focusing most of its signings in the summer for years, avoiding operations for the first team during January.

The last official winter signing was Reinier Jesús, for whom Madrid paid 30 million euros to Flamengo in January 2020. However, the Brazilian was initially assigned to Castilla and never had an immediate impact on the first team.

To find a January signing directly conceived for the first team, one must go back to Brahim Díaz, acquired from Manchester City in 2019 for around 17 million euros.

José Mourinho's arrival has altered part of that operation. This summer, the coach had a direct influence on building a squad that ended the market with 26 players and six new signings, within a total investment close to 225 million euros.

Performance will determine LaLiga needs

Real Madrid isn't obligated to turn to the winter market. The decision will depend on what happens in the coming months in LaLiga, the Champions League, and other competitions, especially regarding potential injuries or departures within a squad that Mourinho preferred to trim.

Neves's precedent, however, shows that this time an opportunity might receive a different response from the offices. Rúben Neves is under contract with Al Hilal until 2029, making him not a free or straightforward signing, but the next step will depend on whether José Mourinho identifies a position needing reinforcements before the January market opens.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El mediocentro que Florentino Pérez tiene en mente para el Real Madrid