Ruben Neves to Saudi Arabia

[GodIsADeeJay81]

There’s more to life than money- especially when you’re already earning 2 million quid a month!

Neves is rumoured to be on £50k a week, so not a great deal in footballing terms.

A move to Saudi, at this age, for 3yrs will ensure his family is set for life if the contract is as large as rumoured.
He can then come back to European football with plenty of years left in the tank.

Yes there's more to life then money, especially when you don't have a lot of it, but silly money for just a few years makes sense

[GodIsADeeJay81]

Why do people generalise like this?

I actually feel sorry for people who fall for the outdated idea that filling your pockets is everybody's overriding priority in life.

For a few years whilst he's still young, makes sense.

[Jakubclaret]

If I was on 100k a week in England playing for a ‘top club’ in the prime of my life, national team starter no I would not go and live in China, or any other authoritarian Nation for extra money because I value my own integrity and moral compass.

It’s really that simple.

I can’t do with the influence these places are having on the Globe one bit - I detest everything about the gulf states with all my being - they are truly abhorrent

The mistake you are making is assuming everybody is like you when people aren’t, neves might not give a flying fig about human rights records or authoritarian nations, he’s there to play football & make money & from the looks of it first & foremost he prefers to rake in the maximum that’s number 1 priority.

[taio]

The mistake you are making is assuming everybody is like you when people aren’t, neves might not give a flying fig about human rights records or authoritarian nations, he’s there to play football & make money & from the looks of it first & foremost he prefers to rake in the maximum that’s number 1 priority.

Nobody disputing that. Some people just think he's got his priorities wrong.

[CoolClaret]

The mistake you are making is assuming everybody is like you when people aren’t, neves might not give a flying fig about human rights records or authoritarian nations, he’s there to play football & make money & from the looks of it first & foremost he prefers to rake in the maximum that’s number 1 priority.

Well done for spectacularly missing the point Jakub

GIADJ asserted that ‘we would all do it’

I’m telling you that I wouldn’t - and infact, I do indeed look down on people that do.

Find it seriously bizarre when we go on about progressive ethics and all that promotion in sport, then they throw that all out the window when the Arab money rolls in. Disgusting


Saudi Arabia is one of the most unequal nations on earth - there’s haves and have nots.

You don’t get brilliance and well balanced nations with such a set up.

The money that they’re chucking at it to spin their image on a global scale - money that could be used to help upward mobility of their own people, to pay workers better, to establish proper infrastructure and yet they don’t give a rats ass

F*** all of them


Edit:

The Russians did the exact same thing with Sochi Olympics then the World Cup.

Saudis in Yemen is disgusting - I’m disgusted we sell arms to them and I’m disgusted that we’ve allowed their oil money to influence the West

[Jakubclaret]

Nobody disputing that. Some people just think he's got his priorities wrong.

His priorities are his business, we don’t have the right to judge.

[taio]

His priorities are his business, we don’t have the right to judge.

Yes we do have a right to judge and express an opinion especially when it can have wider consequences

[Steve-Harpers-perm]

Neves is rumoured to be on £50k a week, so not a great deal in footballing terms.

A move to Saudi, at this age, for 3yrs will ensure his family is set for life if the contract is as large as rumoured.
He can then come back to European football with plenty of years left in the tank.

Yes there's more to life then money, especially when you don't have a lot of it, but silly money for just a few years makes sense

If you and your family can’t be ‘set for life’ off £50k per week then there is something wrong!

[Jakubclaret]

Yes we do have a right to judge and express an opinion especially when it can have wider consequences

We don’t really apart from if it impacts us, it’s his business how he wants to live his life & that includes how he wants to make his money.

[taio]

If you and your family can’t be ‘set for life’ off £50k per week then there is something wrong!

And of course he could easily earn more than £50k a week elsewhere

[taio]

We don’t really apart from if it impacts us, it’s his business how he wants to live his life & that includes how he wants to make his money.

If you feel like that it's probably appropriate for you to vacate the thread

[Stockbrokerbelt]

They will buy a super league, money no object……

[GodIsADeeJay81]

If you and your family can’t be ‘set for life’ off £50k per week then there is something wrong!

The more money someone earns, the more expensive their lifestyle, its a simple fact of life.

Numerous footballers end up bankrupt because they can't adjust financially to living without that well paid players contract.

They're not all savvy with their money, or they get ripped off etc

So if a player is offered silly wages for a few years, they're more likely to take it than not

[Vegas Claret]

Well done for spectacularly missing the point Jakub

GIADJ asserted that ‘we would all do it’

I’m telling you that I wouldn’t - and infact, I do indeed look down on people that do.

Find it seriously bizarre when we go on about progressive ethics and all that promotion in sport, then they throw that all out the window when the Arab money rolls in. Disgusting


Saudi Arabia is one of the most unequal nations on earth - there’s haves and have nots.

You don’t get brilliance and well balanced nations with such a set up.

The money that they’re chucking at it to spin their image on a global scale - money that could be used to help upward mobility of their own people, to pay workers better, to establish proper infrastructure and yet they don’t give a rats ass

F*** all of them


Edit:

The Russians did the exact same thing with Sochi Olympics then the World Cup.

Saudis in Yemen is disgusting - I’m disgusted we sell arms to them and I’m disgusted that we’ve allowed their oil money to influence the West

do you buy anything that's made in China ?

[Robbie_painter]

If you feel like that it's probably appropriate for you to vacate the thread

Jakub has it right,what business is it of ours how neves chooses to earn his money?

[CoolClaret]

do you buy anything that's made in China ?

I’m making a conscious effort to buy things made of union labour or local.

I re-evaluated a lot of principles a few years back. I try and avoid buying junk and lining Plutocrats pockets where possible

Somethings are clearly unavoidable but 10/10 for your whataboutery

[Vegas Claret]

I’m making a conscious effort to buy things made of union labour or local.

I re-evaluated a lot of principles a few years back. I try and avoid buying junk and lining Plutocrats pockets where possible

Somethings are clearly unavoidable but 10/10 for your whataboutery

there was no whataboutery, it's a very valid question given your stance. Kudos to you for sticking to your principles. Not everyone on here is after an argument

[taio]

Jakub has it right,what business is it of ours how neves chooses to earn his money?

I believe there are likely broader adverse consequences so football supporters have every right to offer a view particularly on a football messageboard.

[TsarBomba]

Well done for spectacularly missing the point Jakub

GIADJ asserted that ‘we would all do it’

I’m telling you that I wouldn’t - and infact, I do indeed look down on people that do.

Find it seriously bizarre when we go on about progressive ethics and all that promotion in sport, then they throw that all out the window when the Arab money rolls in. Disgusting


Saudi Arabia is one of the most unequal nations on earth - there’s haves and have nots.

You don’t get brilliance and well balanced nations with such a set up.

The money that they’re chucking at it to spin their image on a global scale - money that could be used to help upward mobility of their own people, to pay workers better, to establish proper infrastructure and yet they don’t give a rats ass

F*** all of them


Edit:

The Russians did the exact same thing with Sochi Olympics then the World Cup.

Saudis in Yemen is disgusting - I’m disgusted we sell arms to them and I’m disgusted that we’ve allowed their oil money to influence the West

Don’t disagree too much with this, apart from looking down on those that do make such a decision.

It’s easier having this viewpoint being born in the comfort of the West.

Helluva lot of footballers born in 3rd world countries, likely supporting families back home, and even entire communities.

Look at what Mane has done- schools, hospitals built off the back of his success.

So if a footballer wants to go and rinse Saudi Arabia to bring about some good elsewhere in the world- good luck to them.

[Jakubclaret]

I believe there are likely broader adverse consequences so football supporters have every right to offer a view particularly on a football messageboard.

What you believe might be different from what other people believe, I don’t wish to be argumentative, but I prefer to accept alternative viewpoints & debate them instead of asking somebody to leave the discussion because you don’t agree with them.

[Jellybean]

I wonder if once they're established with world renowned players, if uefa will somehow find a way for them to join the champions league and other competitions, ueafa has a ring to it.

[Vegas Claret]

I wonder if once they're established with world renowned players, if uefa will somehow find a way for them to join the champions league and other competitions, ueafa has a ring to it.

money will talk, always does with UEFA and FIFA

[taio]

What you believe might be different from what other people believe, I don’t wish to be argumentative, but I prefer to accept alternative viewpoints & debate them instead of asking somebody to leave the discussion because you don’t agree with them.

I didn't ask you to leave the discussion. I said it was probably appropriate if you don't believe it's anyone's business other than his. But you're now suggesting you prefer to accept alternative viewpoints and debate them.

[CoolClaret]

there was no whataboutery, it's a very valid question given your stance. Kudos to you for sticking to your principles. Not everyone on here is after an argument

The only real thing we can do is firstly influence ourselves to try and make ‘better’ decisions, then maybe those around us and who knows what after that.

I clearly don’t have the same influence that a PL footballer does, but I feel like we’re in a very precarious position in the world right now.

You change things as a collective - the more we all turn a blind eye to this crap the more it will happen, we should not be selling influence to rogue nations for whoever is the highest bidder.

It’s not like they’ve garnered their wealth from actually providing any innovation to the world either - it’s purely geography from being sat on ginormous oil reserves.

Now on to footy players etc - being a benefactor of obscene wealth whilst turning a blind eye is morally reprehensible for me no matter what way the argument is spun.

I will concede that you could in theory use the money and do good with it - doubt that many will mind but I have no doubt in my mind that this is just Saudi diversifying their portfolio, sports washing their rep so they can continue to exert authoritarian influence in their area, and step up on the world stage.

More good reasons to support JSO

[CoolClaret]

So if a footballer wants to go and rinse Saudi Arabia to bring about some good elsewhere in the world- good luck to them.

I’ve had this debate with my friends a lot and we came to this conclusion as well.

I would point you towards the works of someone called Anand Giriharadas with regards to plutocrats ‘trying to make the world a better place’ but that’s for another time.

What Mane does is commendable - no doubt about it.

More needs to be done to build the structure in these places though, philanthropy I feel is just a bandaid over the situation (though needed)

[Jakubclaret]

I didn't ask you to leave the discussion. I said it was probably appropriate if you don't believe it's anyone's business other than his. But you're now suggesting you prefer to accept alternative viewpoints and debate them.

It’s down to him how he earns his crust he isn’t doing anything illegal, we can all be high & mighty & judge but nobody is in shoes making any decisions, he’ll learn by his own mistakes he’s a grown man.

[Robbie_painter]

I believe there are likely broader adverse consequences so football supporters have every right to offer a view particularly on a football messageboard.

Absolutely,unless it’s an opinion that you don’t agree with and then you tell people to vacate the tread? Tad hypocritical don’t you think?

[Big Vinny K]

1) I know lots of people who wear shoes and make decisions

2) I’m pretty sure Neves already knows he’s a grown man. His mum probably told him a few years ago.

[CrosspoolClarets]

I remember turning down a load of dosh to go to Saudi after receiving an approach, not at these levels obviously but if I recall it was double or triple my usual income. I was happy turning it down then and still am. Didn’t feel right on many levels.

The trouble with the Neves earning money argument is he will have made (guess) £10m less tax at the end of this contract with more years left at the top. So he is already minted way beyond what his family needs. Where does it end?

[taio]

Absolutely,unless it’s an opinion that you don’t agree with and then you tell people to vacate the tread? Tad hypocritical don’t you think?

No - as above, I didn't tell him to leave the thread. I said it was probably appropriate given he didn't think it was anyone else's business to discuss - I explicitly said that. You are misunderstanding or twisting what I said. I'll leave it there.

[Jakubclaret]

I believe there are likely broader adverse consequences so football supporters have every right to offer a view particularly on a football messageboard.

Your argument doesn't stack up we want as many players of neves calibre buggering off to Saudi Arabia, it makes our task of staying in the PL hell of a sight easier, more the merrier I say as long as it's 1 way ticket.

[Boss Hogg]

I remember turning down a load of dosh to go to Saudi after receiving an approach, not at these levels obviously but if I recall it was double or triple my usual income. I was happy turning it down then and still am. Didn’t feel right on many levels.

The trouble with the Neves earning money argument is he will have made (guess) £10m less tax at the end of this contract with more years left at the top. So he is already minted way beyond what his family needs. Where does it end?

Sadly I don’t think it does. Top footballers are paid so much now they might as well be paid £million per second. The numbers are just so obscene it’s meaningless to your average person. Football was ruined by money a long time ago and is getting worse. The history and integrity of our league system was something to be proud of for years. Greed has replaced the integrity part.

[Swizzlestick]

Your argument doesn't stack up we want as many players of neves calibre buggering off to Saudi Arabia, it makes our task of staying in the PL hell of a sight easier, more the merrier I say as long as it's 1 way ticket.

Well quite, but there's also the fact that Wolves have just received the best part of £50m for a player with a year left on his contract, which they can obviously now invest on other players.

[CoolClaret]

Sadly I don’t think it does. Top footballers are paid so much now they might as well be paid £million per second. The numbers are just so obscene it’s meaningless to your average person. Football was ruined by money a long time ago and is getting worse. The history and integrity of our league system was something to be proud of for years. Greed has replaced the integrity part.

The only benefit if you will that at least over here that money gets taxed and goes to (in theory) building infrastructure of the country

Whole different kettle of fish in Saudi

[Jakubclaret]

Well quite, but there's also the fact that Wolves have just received the best part of £50m for a player with a year left on his contract, which they can obviously now invest on other players.

& to be equally as good & impress within a short space of time, there’s isn’t a never ending commodity of quality players that can be turned on & off by a tap.

[Vegas Claret]

& to be equally as good & impress within a short space of time, there’s isn’t a never ending commodity of quality players that can be turned on & off by a tap.

Neves is hardly a world beater

[Woodleyclaret]

Lots of builders went to Saudi to make enough money to buy a house. High wages .no tax ,golden handshake after 2 yrs.Lots of teachers are being lured to Dubai I have a friend who will treble her salary and get a flat subsidised into the bargain ,with £20,000 bonus after 2 years
Principles are great but you can't eat them

[Jakubclaret]

Neves is hardly a world beater

He isn't, but he's a better standard than anyone we currently have, it makes the league weaker the more players that go to Saudi Arabia.

[Dy1geo]

I am surprised that those socially conscious players we all saw a few years back are now OK to play football in a country with such a repressive regime.

[Chester Perry]

They will buy a super league, money no object……

They were the money behind a proposed global League (the brainchild of Florentino Perez president of Real Madrid) and initially championed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino - he hasn't given up on the idea either - A super League in Africa is being formed (under Infantino's express wishes) and others will likely follow, probably in Asia next) - the money is coming from Saudi Arabia (though China may get involved)

I have been posting about this kind of thing for years on the MMT thread - and have just been re-reading this article from earlier in the year about Saudi, China and the 2030 world cup - what is happening in sport is the outcome effect of the geo-politics at play

SAUDI ARABIA, CHINA, RED SEA GEOPOLITICS & THE 2030 WORLD CUP
https://nepf.org.au/index.php/saudi-ara ... world-cup/

[ecc]

Wolves have agreed a fee for Ruben Neves to Saudi Arabia. He's 26 so not exactly at the end of his career

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65945030

Wonder how long before they start to attract top players who are in their prime?
Are we about to see a re-alignment in world football in the next few years?

IMO He IS in his prime.

I might be well wrong but I'd see him take very silly money for a year maybe two and then return to Europe. As Carrasco did when leaving Atletico to go to China.