A potential loan move for Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves to Newcastle in January might be halted due to an upcoming vote among Premier League clubs. Neves, the Portugal international, recently attracted attention for a possible return to the English top flight after joining the Saudi Pro League side in the summer. Newcastle had considered him as a loan replacement for Sandro Tonali, who is currently serving a 10-month ban for betting rule violations. However, The Athletic revealed that this move could face obstacles following the Premier League’s upcoming shareholder meeting.
The deal could be in jeopardy because a proposal is set to be introduced, aiming to prohibit loan moves between associated clubs. This proposal is expected to be fast-tracked and apply to the January transfer window. Both Newcastle and Neves’ current club, Al-Hilal, are majority-owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). If the vote passes, Neves’ loan move to Newcastle would not be allowed to proceed.
It’s important to note that the proposal isn’t specifically targeting Newcastle’s pursuit of Neves. Instead, it is presented as a broader measure to “protect the integrity” of the Premier League. The proposal also extends beyond player transactions, encompassing discussions about front-of-shirt sponsorships.
For the proposal to be implemented, it requires a two-thirds majority vote, meaning the support of 14 Premier League clubs. If successful, there might be further discussions about making this interim measure a permanent rule, which would extend over multiple transfer windows.