Rúben Neves expressed a desire to play for Wolverhampton Wanderers again in the future. However, there are at least two huge roadblocks that could prevent this emotional reunion.

Wolves are back in the Championship for the first time in over eight years, and as the Old Gold make a solid return to the second tier in the early stages of the season, fans will be hoping that this campaign is reminiscent of their previous stint in the division.

Under Nuno Espírito Santo, Wolves won the Championship title in 2018 with players such as Diogo Jota, Willy Boly, and Ruben Neves, who recently expressed a desire to return to Molineux.

Rúben Neves want to return to Wolves, but pay demands may be a barrier.

According to Alan Nixon’s Patreon page, former Wolves player Neves has informed his close pals that he would ‘love’ to return to the Black Country club one day, especially if they play in the Premier League.

The 29-year-old has spent the previous several years at Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, having moved to the Middle East from Wolves in the summer of 2023 for around £47 million.

While Wolves would almost probably go to any length to bring the 70-cap Portuguese international back to the club, and Neves may be open to the transfer, his exorbitant salary, which Nixon reports to be in excess of £400k per week, present an apparent hurdle.

Even if the Old Gold return to the Premier League soon, they will struggle to match even half of Neves’ current reported salary, since he would have to take a significant pay reduction to pursue his ‘dream’.

The midfielder signed a contract extension with the Riyadh-based club in February 2026 that runs until the summer of 2029, as no return to the Midlands appears imminent; however, if that is a real possibility in the future, Neves will be well aware of the financial hit he would have to bear to make the move viable.

Rúben Neves and Wolves still have a close friendship.

Neves joined Wolves from Porto in the summer of 2017 for about £18 million, two years after being the youngest player to ever captain a Champions League club at the age of 18 years and 221 days.

His signing was regarded as a major coup at the time, and it proved to be, as Neves played a key role in propelling Wolves back to the Premier League during his first year at the club, and he would be a constant in the middle of the park at Molineux for the following five years.

Ruben Neves’ Wolverhampton Wanderers statistics (all competitions)

Appearances

253

Goals

30

Assists

13

Yellow cards.

62

The 29-year-old would make over 250 appearances for Wolves during the club’s Premier League and European campaigns, winning over the Old Gold fanbase with his performances and passion.

With Raul Jimenez having already returned to the club in the most recent window, the possibility of Neves returning one day cannot be ruled out, as Wolves fans can dream.

Cesar Peixoto will have added Premier League ambitions at Wolves

Certainly, Wolves manager Cesar Peixoto would have needed little more encouragement to propel the club back to the Premier League this season, but Neves’ comments will undoubtedly make the former Gil Vicente coach smile from ear to ear.

Peixoto would most certainly love to work with his compatriot in the Black Country, and considering Neves’ abilities, the chance to return Wolves to the top division and aid sanction the midfielder’s homecoming will only add to the 46-year-old’s incentive.

Wolves are one of the favourites for promotion this season, and achieving their aim and reestablishing themselves in the top flight will undoubtedly help their prospects of bringing back Neves.