Following the acquisition of Cristiano Ronaldo and other notable players such as Neymar, Fabinho, and Karim Benzema last summer, Saudi investors are once again devising plans to attract some of Europe’s top football talents to the Middle East.
A comprehensive list comprising nearly 100 potential targets has been compiled, with 20 of them identified as primary or ‘elite’ prospects.
Saudi officials are optimistic about persuading approximately half of these top-tier candidates to consider making the move. This approach mirrors the strategy employed in the summer of 2023.
At the forefront of their wish list are Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne, who are viewed as the top targets for the league.
There is a belief among Saudi officials that Salah may be receptive to the idea of joining a club in the country at some point. A fresh attempt will be made to lure the Liverpool star this summer as he approaches the final year of his contract.
it remains uncertain whether Salah would entertain leaving Anfield this summer, with a decision on a new deal expected later this year.
On the other hand, there has been no indication from De Bruyne’s representatives regarding his interest in a move to Saudi Arabia.
Manchester City is eager to extend De Bruyne’s contract, which currently runs until 2025, and manager Pep Guardiola has publicly expressed his desire to continue working with the Belgian midfielder.
While Guardiola has voiced his wish for De Bruyne to stay, City would demand a significant fee, likely well over £100 million, if they were to consider his departure, potentially even closer to the £150 million offered for Salah last summer.
The ideal scenario for Saudi Arabia would be to see Salah join Al Hilal, playing alongside Neymar (if he remains), Ruben Neves, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
De Bruyne, on the other hand, would likely be targeted by either Al Nassr or Al Ittihad, both of whom are also pursuing deals to sign Manchester United’s center-back Raphael Varane.
Regarding Thiago Alcantara, Al Ettifaq is among the Saudi clubs exploring the possibility of reaching a pre-contract agreement with the Liverpool midfielder.
With quota rules being adjusted to allow for 10 foreign players next season, including two born in 2003 or after, attention is also being given to younger talents.
While there is a general inclination towards purchasing players, loans are being considered to secure promising talent and foster connections with top clubs.
Players such as Eli Junior Kroupi from Lorient, Almugera Kabar from Dortmund, Facundo Gonzalez from Sampdoria (on loan from Juventus), and Ben Doak from Liverpool (currently injured) are all being considered for potential temporary deals.
