The Saudi Pro League continues to be a popular destination and big-spending clubs are targeting a host of Premier League players this summer, including stars from Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
Clubs in the Gulf State have spent huge sums to draw some of Europe’s standout stars to the Saudi Pro League, and that shows no signs of slowing down this summer.
Gabriel Jesus
The Brazilian’s move to Arsenal hasn’t worked out as intended due to a combination of injury and inconsistency.
Al-Ahli have identified Jesus as a top target, and he could fall down the pecking order this summer should Arsenal move for a new striker as expected.
He would be reunited with former City team-mate Riyad Mahrez in Jeddah.
Richarlison
Jesus is not the only Brazilian striker that Al-Ahli are interested in.
They are also plotting a move for Tottenham star Richarlison, who has struggled for form since his big-money move to North London.
Richarlison has been linked with Al-Hilal but disputed that a move was imminent, stating on Instagram: “I will NOT leave England ahead of next season.”
Al-Ahli ‘eye-up moves for Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus’ – as Saudi Pro League side ‘target Brazilian pair’ to replace Allan Saint-Maximin https://t.co/DzO5kjnS6D
— Mail Sport (@MailSport) July 22, 2024
Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian playmaker has just a year remaining on his contract and previously admitted he would be open to a Saudi move.
Reports in Italy suggest De Bruyne has agreed personal terms with Al-Ittihad, who need to enter talks with Manchester City.
De Bruyne would join Benzema, Aouar, Fabinho, and Kante if the move is completed.
Ederson
Al-Ittihad have also targeted De Bruyne’s teammate Ederson.
A £25m offer was lodged but rebuffed by City.
Reports suggest City are planning for his exit, potentially moving for PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma as a replacement.
Alisson
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, potentially reuniting with former teammate Sadio Mane at Al-Nassr.
Alisson, 31, has three years remaining on his contract, and any exit would leave Liverpool with a big decision to make between the sticks.
𝘽𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙆𝙄𝙉𝙂: The Saudi Pro League are planning ambitious moves for Alisson Becker and Ederson.
[@JBurtTelegraph] pic.twitter.com/2HE0xBRcpL
— Transfer Sector (@TransferSector) May 13, 2024
Mo Salah
Salah could move on from Liverpool with Al-Ittihad having lodged a huge £150m bid last summer.
He has now entered the final year of his Anfield contract, and his future remains uncertain as Saudi sides remain interested.
Casemiro
Despite an impressive first season at Old Trafford, Casemiro’s future is uncertain.
Man United have set a £30m price tag for the 32-year-old, with Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad among the clubs interested in a deal.
“He needs to call it a day at this level of football and move.”@Carra23 believes Casemiro should be going to the MLS or Saudi after this season. pic.twitter.com/kHCGe8sUHq
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 6, 2024
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Chelsea’s Kepa, the most expensive goalkeeper in history, has courted interest from Saudi Arabia.
Al-Ittihad were linked but have since cooled their interest, which could be renewed if Kepa is made available.
Lucas Paqueta
West Ham’s Brazilian midfielder Paqueta, charged with alleged breaches of the FA’s betting rules, has been linked with a move to Al-Nassr.
Paqueta has made 84 appearances for West Ham since his arrival from Lyon two years ago.
🚨 Al Nassr está em conversações com Lucas Paquetá, de acordo com @RudyGaletti. pic.twitter.com/YixYY6VCEE
— Diário de Transferências (@DTransferencias) July 19, 2024
Callum Wilson
Newcastle’s Callum Wilson could be sold this summer after a tricky campaign last term. Al-Fateh and Al-Ahli are among the Saudi clubs linked, while talks have been held.
His teammate Miguel Almiron has also been linked but has rebuffed a move in the past.
The exodus of players to the Saudi Pro League has left a noticeable impact on European clubs.
The financial lure is undeniable. Players are reportedly receiving salaries double or triple what they earned in Europe.
An anonymous source from a top European club mentioned, “The money on offer is life-changing, and it’s hard for players to say no.”
