According to a source, Saudi Pro League (SPL) teams have set their sights on several Premier League stars as they prepare for the upcoming summer transfer window.
Notable players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson, Raphaël Varane, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Andreas Pereira are all reportedly on the agenda for next season.
In addition to pursuing established players, there is also a strong emphasis on signing younger talents. One such target is Matìas Soulè, a 20-year-old forward from Juventus.
While it is unlikely that SPL teams will match their record-breaking £757 million ($957m) spend from 2023, sources in Saudi Arabia insist that this summer’s transfer strategy will be equally aggressive, with a significant outlay on player fees expected.
Several SPL teams have specific positions they are looking to strengthen. Al Ahli is in search of a striker, Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo’s team, is keen on signing a goalkeeper, and Al Ittihad aims to bring in a center-back and a central midfielder.
Meanwhile, Al Hilal, who made headlines by signing Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, currently tops the SPL table, leading Al Nassr by seven points.
Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth Public Investment Fund (PIF) owns controlling stakes in Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Hilal.
Additionally, if Al Qadisiyah gets promoted to the SPL, they are expected to make significant investments in the summer transfer window.
Owned by Saudi Aramco, the state-owned national oil company with a value exceeding $2 trillion, Al Qadisiyah is currently leading the second division.
Furthermore, the SPL is not only focused on player acquisitions but also aims to attract high-profile coaches. Names such as Thomas Tuchel, who will be leaving Bayern Munich, Sergio Conceicao from FC Porto, and Mauricio Pochettino, currently under pressure at Chelsea, have been mentioned as potential candidates.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
