The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has become the most talked-about football destination in 2024, following Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr arrival in 2023 and Neymar’s blockbuster move to Al-Hilal. Now, with unlimited financial power, Saudi clubs are targeting even bigger superstars to elevate the league’s global status.
In this exclusive 1,200+ word report, we’ll cover:
✔ Latest Saudi Pro League transfer rumors (May 2024 updates)
✔ Top 5 players likely to move to Saudi Arabia this summer
✔ How much Saudi clubs are willing to spend
✔ The league’s long-term vision – can it rival Europe?
✔ Expert opinions on the Saudi transfer revolution
Let’s dive into the biggest potential deals shaking up world football.
Latest Saudi Pro League Transfer News (May 2024)
Saudi clubs are not slowing down—here are the hottest rumors right now:
1. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool → Al-Ittihad?) – The Next Mega Deal?
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Latest: Al-Ittihad preparing a €150M bid (via Fabrizio Romano).
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Salah’s stance: Open to a move if Liverpool agree.
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Potential salary: €200M/year (would make him Saudi’s highest-paid player).
2. Kevin De Bruyne (Man City → ?) – Shock Saudi Interest
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Why? De Bruyne, 32, is considering one last big contract.
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Club linked: Al-Nassr (Ronaldo’s team) wants him.
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Obstacle: Pep Guardiola does NOT want to sell.
3. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool → Al-Hilal?)
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Rumored offer: €80M transfer fee + €40M/year wages.
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Van Dijk’s response: “I’ll decide after Euro 2024.”
4. Son Heung-min (Tottenham → Al-Qadsiah?)
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Newly promoted Al-Qadsiah wants a global superstar.
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Son could earn €30M/year in Saudi Arabia.
5. Luka Modrić (Real Madrid → Al-Ahli?)
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Modrić’s contract expires June 2024—Al-Ahli ready to offer €25M/year.
Top 5 Players Most Likely to Move to Saudi Arabia in 2024
Based on club interest, player age, and financial power, these stars are prime Saudi Pro League targets:
| Player | Current Club | Saudi Suitor | Likelihood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | Al-Ittihad | 80% |
| Kevin De Bruyne | Man City | Al-Nassr | 60% |
| Raphaël Varane | Man United | Al-Hilal | 70% |
| Casemiro | Man United | Al-Qadsiah | 75% |
| Luka Modrić | Real Madrid | Al-Ahli | 65% |
Key Takeaway: The Premier League is Saudi’s main target—most linked players are from England.
How Much Are Saudi Clubs Willing to Spend?
2024 Transfer Budgets (Estimated):
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Al-Hilal: €500M (after Neymar’s success)
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Al-Nassr: €400M (to support Ronaldo)
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Al-Ittihad: €300M (missed out on Mbappé last year)
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Newly Promoted Clubs: €200M+ each
Saudi Arabia’s Strategy:
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Focus on big-name players over 30 (Ronaldo model).
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Offer 3-4x their current salary to force moves.
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Build a league that rivals MLS & UEFA by 2030.
Can the Saudi Pro League Rival Europe’s Top Leagues?
✅ Why It Could Work:
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Unlimited financial backing (government-supported).
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Global interest increasing (Ronaldo’s impact is huge).
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Better than MLS? More competitive, higher wages.
❌ Why It Might Fail:
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Lack of history & prestige (can’t replace UCL nights).
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Heat & attendance issues (low fan culture).
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UEFA may block loans (stopping Saudi-to-Europe moves).
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Verdict:
*”In 2-3 years, Saudi Pro League will be a top-5 league.”*
Expert Opinions on Saudi Arabia’s Transfer Revolution
Gary Neville (Sky Sports):
“It’s a retirement league, but the money is impossible to ignore.”
Fabrizio Romano (Transfer Guru):
*”Saudi clubs are serious—they’ll sign 3-4 more superstars in 2024.”*
Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool Manager):
“If Salah wants to go, we can’t compete with those offers.”
Final Verdict: What’s Next for the Saudi Pro League?
2024 Predictions:
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Salah & De Bruyne will be the next mega signings.
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More Premier League stars will move (Varane, Casemiro).
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UEFA may impose restrictions to stop the exodus.
One thing is certain: Saudi Arabia is changing football forever.
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