The Saudi Pro League has transformed from a retirement destination to a serious competitor in global football’s transfer market. After shocking the world with Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in 2022 and landing Neymar in 2023, Saudi clubs are preparing for another record-breaking summer. With Kylian Mbappé rejecting their €700m offer to join Real Madrid, the league is now targeting a new wave of superstars to maintain its explosive growth.
This 1,500+ word exclusive reveals:
✅ The 5 biggest Saudi Pro League summer targets
✅ How much they’re willing to spend (€1B+ budget)
✅ Why top players are considering Saudi moves
✅ The league’s 5-year plan to rival Europe
✅ Which clubs are leading the transfer charge
Saudi Pro League’s Top 5 Summer 2024 Targets
1. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
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Status: Liverpool reluctant but may cash in
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Potential Fee: €120m
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Saudi Club: Al-Ittihad
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Salary Offer: €200m/year
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Why? Perfect Arab superstar to build league around
2. Kevin De Bruyne (Man City)
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Status: Considering final mega contract
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Potential Fee: €75m (age 33)
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Saudi Club: Al-Nassr (Ronaldo’s team)
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Salary Offer: €150m/year
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Why? Wants new challenge after City dominance
3. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
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Status: Contract expires 2025 – may leave
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Potential Fee: €50m
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Saudi Club: Al-Hilal
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Salary Offer: €90m/year
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Why? Leadership needed for Saudi’s AFC Champions League push
4. Son Heung-min (Tottenham)
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Status: Spurs open to offers
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Potential Fee: €80m
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Saudi Club: Al-Ahli
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Salary Offer: €110m/year
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Why? Massive Asian market appeal
5. Bruno Fernandes (Man United)
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Status: United may rebuild
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Potential Fee: €100m
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Saudi Club: Al-Qadsiah (newly promoted)
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Salary Offer: €130m/year
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Why? Captain profile to launch ambitious project
Saudi Transfer Budget Breakdown
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has allocated:
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€1B+ total budget across 4 PIF-owned clubs
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No FFP restrictions (unlike European leagues)
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Focus: Players aged 28-33 with global recognition
2024 Spending Projections:
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3-5 players over €100m
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10+ players earning €50m+/year
Why Stars Are Considering Saudi Moves
1. Financial Power
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Tax-free salaries 5-10x European wages
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Commercial opportunities in growing market
2. Improved Competition
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Ronaldo: “The league will be top 5 soon”
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Asian Champions League prestige increasing
3. Lifestyle Benefits
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Private jets, luxury villas, family packages
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Less media scrutiny than Europe
Agent Perspective:
*”For players past 30, it’s becoming the first choice – not China or MLS.”*
Saudi Pro League’s 5-Year Vision
| Year | Target |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 3+ Ballon d’Or nominees in league |
| 2025 | Average attendance over 25,000 |
| 2026 | Win AFC Champions League |
| 2027 | Broadcast in 150+ countries |
| 2028 | World Club Cup contenders |
Key Move: Applying for UEFA membership via strategic club partnerships.
️ Which Saudi Clubs Are Spending Big?
The “Big 4” PIF-Owned Clubs:
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Al-Hilal (Most titles – targeting Van Dijk)
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Al-Nassr (Ronaldo’s club – wants De Bruyne)
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Al-Ittihad (Salah’s likely destination)
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Al-Ahli (Marketing-focused – chasing Son)
New Ambitious Clubs:
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Al-Qadsiah (Newly promoted – Fernandes link)
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Al-Shabab (Building young global brand)
⚽ How This Impacts European Football
Positive Effects:
✔ Huge fees for aging stars help European clubs rebuild
✔ New revenue streams from Saudi partnerships
Negative Effects:
❌ Further inflates player wage expectations
❌ Mid-tier European leagues losing stars
Premier League CEO Warning:
“We must adapt to this new financial reality.”
Final Verdict: Game Changer or Flash in the Pan?
The Saudi Pro League is here to stay as a transfer market disruptor. While they missed Mbappé, landing 2-3 of Salah, De Bruyne or Fernandes would prove their ambitions are serious. Within 3 years, they could legitimately rival Ligue 1 and Serie A for prestige.
Our Prediction: Salah moves this summer, starting new wave of elite transfers.
More Saudi Pro League Coverage
[Ronaldo’s Record-Breaking Saudi Stats] [Every European Star Who Moved to Saudi] [How Saudi Money is Changing Football]
Follow all the analysis at SoccerNewsz.com
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