After securing the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo and splurging on other high-profile acquisitions such as Neymar, Fabinho, and Karim Benzema last summer, Saudi investors are once again strategizing to entice some of Europe’s top talents to the Middle East.
A comprehensive list featuring nearly 100 potential options has been compiled, with 20 primary targets identified as elite prospects.
Saudi officials are optimistic about persuading nearly half of these top-tier candidates to make the move, a strategy reminiscent of their approach in the summer of 2023.
At the pinnacle of their wishlist are Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne, who have emerged as the top targets for the Saudi league, according to information obtained by 90min.
There is a belief within Saudi Arabia that Salah may be receptive to relocating to the country at some stage. Consequently, fresh overtures will be made for the Liverpool star this summer as he approaches the final year of his contract.
However, it remains uncertain whether Salah would entertain a departure from Anfield this summer, with a decision on a new deal expected later this year.
In the case of De Bruyne, the representatives of the Manchester City maestro have not signaled any interest in a move to Saudi Arabia.
City are eager to secure De Bruyne’s long-term commitment, with his current contract set to expire in 2025. Manager Pep Guardiola has publicly expressed his desire to continue working with the Belgian, although uncertainties persist about his future.
City would command a transfer fee well exceeding £100 million should they consider a sale, potentially approaching the £150 million sum offered to Liverpool for Salah last summer.
The vision in Saudi Arabia entails Salah joining Al Hilal and featuring alongside Neymar (if he remains), Ruben Neves, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Meanwhile, De Bruyne would likely attract interest from either Al Nassr or Al Ittihad, both of whom are actively pursuing deals for Manchester United center-back Raphael Varane.
A decision regarding which club would make the final push for De Bruyne would be made internally in Saudi Arabia to avoid multiple clubs bidding against each other.
Thiago Alcantara is another name being monitored, with Al Ettifaq among several Saudi clubs exploring the possibility of reaching a pre-contract agreement with the Liverpool midfielder.
Furthermore, with quota regulations undergoing changes to allow for 10 foreign players next season, including two born in 2003 or later, there is an increased focus on younger prospects.
While there is a general inclination towards acquisitions, loan deals will also be considered to secure promising talents and establish connections with top clubs.
Prospects such as Lorient’s Eli Junior Kroupi, Dortmund’s Almugera Kabar, Sampdoria’s Facundo Gonzalez (currently on loan from Juventus), and Liverpool’s Ben Doak, who is currently sidelined due to injury, are all being considered for temporary moves.
