The Saudi Pro League is gearing up for a summer of blockbuster signings, with a staggering £2bn budget allocated to bring in five to six marquee players. Following last summer’s high-profile arrivals of Neymar, Sadio Mane, Fabinho, and Riyad Mahrez, the Saudi powers are determined to lure even more top talent from Europe’s elite leagues.
According to report, Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne is among the top targets, despite the Belgian midfielder showing no indication of wanting to leave the Premier League champions or move to Saudi Arabia. However, the Saudi clubs are willing to spend big to persuade De Bruyne and other top players to make the switch, with a potential £100m+ offer on the table.
Other targets include Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Luka Modrić, and Álvaro Morata, with several Saudi clubs vying for their signatures. Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr are leading the charge, with Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab also in the mix. Manchester United have made it clear that multiple players are available, and West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma are also on the radar.
The Saudi Pro League’s ambition is clear: to become a major player in the global football landscape. With a significant increase in foreign player spots available, Saudi clubs are open to loaning in top talent to attract new fanbases. The league’s willingness to spend big and attract marquee names is a statement of intent, and this summer’s transfer window promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Will the likes of De Bruyne, Varane, and Modrić make the move to Saudi Arabia? Only time will tell.