Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal have signed Ruben Neves from Premier League club Wolves on a three-year contract, the club announced on Friday.
Wolves did not provide specific financial details, but said Neves, who signed his contract in Paris, moved for a club record fee, reportedly worth €55 million ($60 million).
“No other player has made such an impact on the pitch in gold and black over the last six years after appearing more than 250 times in an extraordinary period in the club’s history,” Wolves said in a statement.
The midfielder scored 30 goals in 253 appearances in all competitions for Wolves.
The 26-year-old joined Wolves in 2017 when they were in the second tier of the Championship, helping them reach the top flight in his first season.
Wolves finished seventh in their first season in the Premier League to qualify for the Europa League.
“It’s been an amazing journey. A huge thank you to everyone who had the opportunity to work with me, every moment is unforgettable,” Neves said through tears in the emotional farewell video.
“To all the players who have been part of the club for the last six years, you are friends for life. The way we protect the team is truly extraordinary,” he continued.
“I left as a player, but I will always be a wolf. No matter what. Thank you for everything, and see you at the South Bank stadium one day.”
The former Wolves captain has a year remaining on his contract and has also been linked with a move to Barcelona for next season.
Several high-profile players have been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in recent weeks.
Al Hilal also attempted to sign Lionel Messi, with the Argentinian eventually deciding to join Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.
Neves will meet in the Saudi league with compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in December.
League champions Al Ittihad signed Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema earlier this month, while the club also confirmed a move for former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante earlier this week.
Al Hilal is the most decorated club in Saudi Arabia and Asia having won 66 trophies and holds the record for league and Asian titles with 18 and four respectively.
