In a bid to elevate their league’s global stature and bolster competition, clubs in the Saudi Pro League are gearing up for a significant summer transfer window, with sights set on acquiring top-tier talent from the Premier League.
Among the targeted players are Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Alisson, as well as Manchester United’s Casemiro and Raphaël Varane.
Last year, the Saudi Pro League made waves in the transfer market, ranking second only to the Premier League in expenditure, with nearly £750 million spent on acquiring nearly 100 overseas players.
Despite mixed success stories such as Jordan Henderson’s abbreviated stint at Al-Ettifaq, sources within Saudi Arabia express growing confidence in the league’s ability to attract European football’s elite.
Mohamed Salah, the subject of a £150 million bid from Al-Ittihad last summer, remains a prime target for Saudi clubs. Similarly, Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson, whose contract with Liverpool extends to 2027, has garnered significant interest.
The impending departure of Raphaël Varane from Manchester United has also fueled speculation of a move to the Saudi Pro League.
Acknowledging challenges faced by players in adjusting to life in Saudi Arabia, league officials are optimistic about recent developments, including the inauguration of exclusive resorts along the Red Sea.
Salah’s reported affinity for nearby Hurghada in Egypt during the offseason further fuels speculation about his potential relocation.
The Pro League has expanded the quota for foreign players from eight to ten for the upcoming season, with a stipulation that two must be under 21 years old.
Consequently, clubs will need to make roster adjustments to accommodate new signings. League authorities aim to enhance overall competitiveness by assisting smaller clubs in strengthening their squads.
The involvement of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which controls several clubs including Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr, and Al-Hilal, underscores the government’s ambitious agenda to propel the domestic league into the global elite.
Additional investment from entities like Aramco in clubs such as Al-Qadsia, coupled with changes in Saudi Arabia’s Code of Law Practice to incentivize local and foreign business participation, aims to foster a more robust competition.
Despite strides made by PIF-affiliated clubs, league officials acknowledge the necessity of bolstering investment in smaller clubs to ensure parity and sustained growth. With average attendances at some clubs languishing below 4,000 last season, initiatives to attract both foreign and domestic investment are imperative for the league’s long-term viability.
As the summer transfer window approaches, anticipation mounts among football enthusiasts worldwide as Saudi Pro League clubs set their sights on luring marquee talent from the Premier League.
With the promise of lucrative contracts, a competitive environment, and an evolving landscape, the allure of Saudi football continues to captivate the imaginations of players and fans alike.