Saudi Arabia’s football authorities are reportedly in talks with more than 10 top players, including Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos, and N’Golo Kante, to join the Saudi Pro League this summer.
The list also includes Hugo Lloris, Angel Di Maria, Roberto Firmino, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets.
The Saudi officials are currently in Paris and Madrid to finalize deals with Messi and Benzema, respectively.
The objective is to establish a competitive league and elevate the Saudi clubs’ levels.
The players listed are major stars at the end of their careers, and all except Lloris are out of contract this month.
The Saudi government is trying to improve its image and attract tourists and investment, partly through sport, by investing in sports deals such as Ronaldo’s signing, Formula One, and the LIV Golf tour.
However, the country has faced criticism for its human rights record, with claims of “sportswashing.”
The Saudis aim to seal most of the deals before the new season starts on August 11.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
