Ten Premier League players Saudi Pro League clubs could target this summer | OneFootball

Saudi Pro League (SPL) clubs ran the show in last summer’s transfer window, spending north of £750 million to sign around 100 overseas stars.

Even though not all high-profile moves have panned out as expected, the Saudis have no intention of pulling the plug on their lucrative investments.

Quite the opposite.

The SPL aims to take the league to another level by luring private businesses to sponsor clubs outside the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) financial backing.

As the world football prepares for the new transfer window, discussions over the Saudis’ next targets start to fill the headlines around Europe.

Last summer, only the Premier League made a more significant financial sacrifice than the Middle East heavyweights. Still, England’s top-flight could fall victim to the Saudis’ economic prowess this time.

Without further ado, let’s look at the ten players who could swap the Premier League for the desert this summer.

Alisson Becker

With Jurgen Klopp calling time on his long-term tenure at Anfield, Liverpool will undergo unprecedented personnel changes in the coming months.

Star goalkeeper Alisson has emerged as a potential candidate to leave Merseyside in the wake of Klopp’s departure, with the Saudis setting sights on the Brazil international.

His contract at the club runs out in 2027, and it’s difficult to imagine the Reds sanctioning his departure unless a mind-blowing offer lands at their desk.

Mohamed Salah

It sounds even more ridiculous to think of Mohamed Salah’s move to the Middle East, but it’s not impossible, especially after the Egyptian’s recent difficulties at Anfield.

Liverpool turned down a £150m bid for their most prolific marksman last summer, but they may not stay immune to another similar proposal now.

Incoming manager Arne Slot has yet to outline his plans for the future, leaving the standout forward’s long-term prospects in the Premier League in limbo.

Thiago Alcantara

What a career it could’ve been.

After excelling at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Thiago couldn’t gain a foothold at Liverpool, largely thanks to recurring injury problems.

The Spaniard’s inability to stay away from the treatment room has convinced the Reds to let him depart on a free transfer this summer.

Despite his injury struggles, Thiago is still a top-class player and could be an attractive option for the Saudis.

Casemiro

Casemiro’s switch to the SPL has been among the most discussed topics in England since the start of the season.

The ex-Real Madrid midfielder is no longer part of Manchester United’s plans and will be allowed to pursue happiness elsewhere as they look to offload his staggering £350,000-a-week wages.

Raphael Varane

Like his long-standing comrade, Varane’s underwhelming stint at Old Trafford is drawing to a halt.

The Frenchman took to social media earlier this week to bid farewell to Man Utd supporters ahead of his impending exit.

Next stop – Saudi Arabia.

Anthony Martial

United’s forgotten man will be a free agent at the end of the season, but after vanishing from the stage for over a year, there’s a shortage of European suitors.

Europeans might have closed their doors to Martial, but the Saudis’ gates are always wide open.

Thomas Partey

Following an injury-plagued season, Partey’s career at Arsenal is in jeopardy amid growing speculation linking the Gunners with Nice rising star Khephren Thuram.

His deal expires at the end of next season, which means Mikel Arteta has a last chance to cash in on the 30-year-old Ghanaian.

Gabriel Jesus

Saudi club’s interest in the former Manchester City striker should be taken with a grain of salt, though it’s no secret his future at Arsenal hangs by a thread.

The 27-year-old is at the peak of his powers, and it makes little sense to leave Europe’s top-five leagues to play in the Middle East.

However, when money enters the picture, priorities change.

Ederson

Wouldn’t this be a shocker?

Man City’s No 1 is another elite Premier League star recently approached by the wealthy Asians.

Pep Guardiola is an admirer of Ederson and will probably oppose the transfer, yet the Saudis are nothing if not persistent.

Bernardo Silva

Silva’s move to the SPL collapsed at the 11th hour last summer.

It’s only natural to assume they’ll give it another go in the upcoming transfer window, disregarding his contract that should keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2026.

Callum Wilson

Newcastle United’s connections with PIF were supposed to help them bring ex-European superstars back from Saudi Arabia.

However, instead of taking advantage of a strong relationship with PIF to strengthen their squad, the Magpies could use it to cut loose deadweight.

Wilson has several clubs in Saudi Arabia keeping close tabs on him and could hit the road as soon as the transfer window opens for business.