As the summer transfer window heats up, Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Bruno Lage has addressed the swirling rumors surrounding star midfielder Ruben Neves. While Lage acknowledges that “every player has a price,” he remains adamant that Wolves are not actively seeking to sell the Portuguese maestro. Baji live brings you an in-depth analysis of Neves’ future, Lage’s transfer strategy, and what this means for Wolves’ Premier League campaign.
Ruben Neves: The Heart of Wolves’ Midfield
Ruben Neves, the 24-year-old midfield dynamo, has been a cornerstone of Wolves‘ success in recent seasons. His vision, passing range, and defensive contributions make him one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe. Despite strong interest from Manchester United and other top clubs, Neves started in Wolves’ season opener against Leicester City—a narrow 1-0 defeat that highlighted his importance to the team.
Bruno Lage’s Transfer Philosophy
When pressed about Neves’ future, Lage adopted a pragmatic yet optimistic tone:
“All the top players we have are linked with clubs worldwide. Ruben is happy here, and we are happy with him. We’re not looking to sell, but in football, anything can happen—just look at Messi moving to PSG.”
Lage’s comments suggest that while Wolves are not actively pushing Neves out the door, a substantial offer could force their hand. So far, no formal bids have been tabled, but with the transfer window closing on August 31, the situation remains fluid.
Wolves’ Transfer Window Strategy
Lage emphasized that Wolves are focused on strengthening rather than weakening their squad:
“We’re working 24/7 to bring in players who can make us more competitive. Our chairman knows exactly what we need—top-quality additions in key positions.”
This proactive approach indicates that Wolves are aiming for a mid-table push or higher, rather than a relegation scrap.
Outgoings: Otasowie and Mir Depart
While Neves’ future hangs in the balance, Wolves have already sanctioned two departures:
- Owen Otasowie (Club Brugge, ~£4m)
- Rafa Mir (Sevilla, permanent deal)
Technical director Scott Sellars praised Otasowie’s development, highlighting Wolves’ academy success in nurturing young talent into valuable assets.
Baji live Verdict: Will Neves Stay?
Given Lage’s insistence on keeping Neves and the lack of concrete offers, it’s increasingly likely that the Portuguese midfielder will remain at Molineux—at least for this season. However, if a club meets Wolves’ valuation (rumored to be around £35-40m), the situation could change rapidly.
For now, Wolves fans can take solace in the fact that their midfield general is still in the fold—ready to orchestrate play and drive the team forward.
What do you think? Should Wolves cash in on Neves or fight to keep him at all costs? Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned to Baji live for the latest transfer updates!
