Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne have emerged as primary targets for the Saudi Pro League in the upcoming summer transfer window, as reported by 90min.
Following the high-profile acquisition of Cristiano Ronaldo last summer, Saudi dealmakers are once again planning significant moves to entice European football stars to the Middle East. They have identified a pool of nearly 100 potential options, with 20 elite targets. Saudi officials are optimistic about persuading approximately half of these top-tier candidates to make the move, mirroring their approach in the summer of 2023.
Salah and De Bruyne stand out at the top of the wish list as joint-top targets for the division. Inside Saudi Arabia, there is a belief that Salah may be receptive to a move to the country in the near future. A renewed effort will be made to secure the Liverpool star’s transfer this summer as he approaches the final year of his contract. However, it remains uncertain whether Salah would consider leaving Anfield this season, with a decision on a new deal expected later in the year.
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While there is hope in the Middle East regarding Salah’s potential move, De Bruyne’s representatives have not indicated any interest in relocating to Saudi Arabia. Manchester City is actively working to extend De Bruyne’s contract, set to expire in 2025, and manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his desire to continue working with the Belgian playmaker.
City would demand a significant sum, well above £100 million, if they were to consider De Bruyne’s departure, possibly approaching the £150 million offered to Liverpool for Salah last summer.
The dream scenario for Saudi Arabia involves Salah joining Al Hilal to play alongside Neymar, pending his stay, Ruben Neves, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. On the other hand, De Bruyne could be targeted by either Al Nassr or Al Ittihad, both of whom are actively pursuing deals to sign centre-back Raphael Varane from Manchester United.
Internally within Saudi Arabia, a decision will be made on which club will make the final push for De Bruyne to avoid competing bids.
Thiago Alcantara is also on the radar, with Al Ettifaq exploring a pre-contract agreement with the Liverpool midfielder. Given changes in quota rules allowing for 10 foreigners next season, including two born in 2003 or later, attention is also on younger talents. While there is a general inclination to buy, loan deals are being considered to secure promising talents and foster connections with top clubs. Prospective players under consideration for temporary deals include Lorient’s Eli Junior Kroupi, Dortmund’s Almugera Kabar, Sampdoria’s Facundo Gonzalez (on loan from Juventus), and the injured Liverpool player Ben Doak.