The Saudi Pro League is reportedly Considering Targeting Players From Liverpool, Manchester City, And Manchester United
The Saudi Pro League is reportedly Considering Targeting Players From Liverpool, Manchester City, And Manchester United
Reports suggest that the Saudi Pro League is eyeing another round of raids on the Premier League in the upcoming summer transfer window. Last summer, the Gulf state invested £757m in new signings in a bid to establish a globally renowned domestic league, and a similar spree could occur again.
Only the Premier League outspent the Saudi Pro League last summer, and their expenditure could have been even higher had Mohamed Salah’s speculated £150m move to Al-Ittihad materialized.
Although unable to secure Salah’s signature, Saudi clubs successfully acquired talents like Aymeric Laporte, Riyad Mahrez, N’Golo Kante, and Roberto Firmino from the Premier League, with more potential transfers on the horizon.
According to ESPN, nine players are already topping the list of transfer targets that Saudi clubs are eyeing for the upcoming window in July.
Once again, Salah leads the list, with his status as the world’s most prominent Muslim footballer making him an appealing prospect for Saudi Arabia. As he approaches his mid-30s and with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp set to depart at the end of the season, a move seems more plausible, especially if a significant transfer fee can still be negotiated.
Virgil van Dijk, Salah’s teammate, is also rumored to be on the shortlist. Like Salah, the Dutch defender has less than 18 months left on his contract and has refrained from committing his future to Liverpool following Klopp’s announcement. Consequently, Van Dijk may join the list of potential departures from Anfield in the near future.
A less conventional target is Alisson, who joined around the same time as Van Dijk and played a crucial role in Liverpool’s triumphs under Klopp, including both Champions League and Premier League titles following his transfer from Roma.
While securing Alisson’s services would be considerably challenging due to his younger age and longer contract, the Saudis’ ambitious endeavors to attract top talents don’t end there. Reports suggest that Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne is also a significant target of interest.
However, a more feasible acquisition from Manchester City might be Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese midfielder has previously hinted at a potential departure from the Etihad, and having achieved a treble last season, he may feel his mission at the club is accomplished.
Another plausible signing could be Manchester United’s Casemiro, who has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford due to his substantial salary and a dip in form this season.
Reports also indicate that the Saudis are eyeing Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, especially considering the anticipated overhaul under the new era led by Jim Ratcliffe. Several players could be allowed to depart as part of this restructuring.
Following the acquisition of Fulham’s key player Aleksandar Mitrovic earlier in the season, rumors suggest that the Pro League is monitoring another important asset at Craven Cottage, with Andreas Pereira reportedly on the Saudi shortlist.
However, despite the allure of the Saudi project, discontent among players like Jordan Henderson and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic may dissuade some from making the move, particularly those still in their prime. Nonetheless, it’s expected that more marquee names will head to the Middle East this summer as the project progresses.
