Saudi Arabia still has buying fever. This winter, several Saudi Pro League teams hope to attract new stars to their nets. This, even if they will not be able to afford everything since there is a quota of foreign players per team to respect (8 players in total, editor’s note). Despite this, Saudi clubs still want to strike hard. A year ago, Al Nassr paved the way by recruiting five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo. In response, Al-Hilal tried to get their hands on Lionel Messi during the summer.
Despite an XXL salary and exceptional benefits, the Argentinian declined the invitation and prioritized his family life by signing for Inter Miami. The Riyadh club therefore fell back on Neymar. For its part, Al-Ittihad dislodged Karim Benzema from Real Madrid. Like him, other well-known players have said yes to Saudi Arabia, like N’Golo Kanté, Fabinho, Sadio Mané, Riyad Mahrez, Jordan Henderson and Roberto Firmino. Six months later, the SPL teams want to sign more big names. And they have nine targets in mind according to The Sun.
The SPL still dreams of KM7
Among them, a certain Kylian Mbappé (25 years old). Free next June, the PSG star will be able to negotiate with clubs from January. Real Madrid is here. But Relevo explained yesterday that the Merengues will not do anything crazy. They are waiting for a quick response from the player, otherwise they will position themselves for Erling Haaland (Man City) from January 15. If the Premier League and an extension in Paris are also options, Saudi Arabia is also ready to draw. Last summer, Al-Hilal also tried his luck by offering him more than €12 million per week. If PSG listened to the offer of €300 million, the player refused.
But more is needed to discourage the Saudis. They are still interested this winter according to the English tabloid. But their chances of convincing KM7 are more than slim. On the other hand, they can succeed in seducing Mohamed Salah (31 years old). The Pharaoh is still under contract at Liverpool until 2025. If an extension cannot be ruled out, the former Chelsea player is not insensitive to Saudi approaches. Al-Ittihad also looked into his case this summer. In search of an offensive element, the KB9 club, which also surveyed Alexis Sanchez (35 years old, Inter Milan), is still seduced by the Egyptian.
Several Premier League players targeted
However, we can’t imagine the Reds selling him this winter. This summer, one year before the end of his lease, it will be something else. The Sun also cites Jadon Sancho (23 years old), Casemiro (31 years old) and Raphaël Varane (30 years old), who are being pushed out at Manchester United. Concerning the Frenchman, he is not necessarily excited about a departure for the SPL. At the end of his contract at Tottenham, Hugo Lloris (37), who no longer plays, is also targeted. Last summer, however, he did not respond to Saudi approaches. In the same contractual situation, Luka Modric (38 years old) has not yet decided on his future.
Like last year, he will make his choice at the end of the season. But the SPL is already ready to host the 2018 Ballon d’Or. Same thing for Thiago Alcantara (32 years old), at the end of his contract at Liverpool, and Thomas Partey (30 years old, Arsenal). As in the winter and summer of 2023, the Saudi Pro League residents are ready to splurge in January 2024 or at the latest during the summer market. Nine players, ten if we add Alexis Sanchez, are therefore in the sights of the Saudis, who are extremely hungry this winter.
