Will Ruben Neves return to the Premier League in the upcoming transfer window? At least the legal requirements would still be in place. This became known on Tuesday
It was a move to preserve the “integrity of the competition” and buy the Premier League clubs time until a permanent solution is found. It involved a temporary ban on player transfers or loans to clubs owned by the same owner.
According to English media reports, representatives of the 20 clubs met on Tuesday for a vote at the Churchill Hotel in Portman Square in London. A two-thirds majority – i.e. the approval of 14 clubs – was required to bring about a rule change. In the end, 13 clubs voted in favor. Too few to reach the threshold. There will therefore be no change before the winter transfer window
A replacement for Tonali?
In England, speculation has been rife that speed has been added to the issue because Newcastle United could bring Ruben Neves back to the Premier League in January. The Portuguese is currently under contract with Al-Hilal – like the Magpies, the club is majority-owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) in Saudi Arabia. Neves would be a suitable replacement for Sandro Tonali, who is serving a ten-month ban for his involvement in a betting scandal.
According to information from “The Athletic”, however, it was already clear before the Premier League clubs made their decision that Neves would continue to play in the desert in the second half of the season regardless of the verdict. In any case, the measure was not aimed at preventing Neves from returning.
In addition to Newcastle, Manchester City, Chelsea and several other clubs in England’s top flight also fall into the category under discussion, in which clubs could work together strategically due to their ownership structure
