Ronaldo and Messi just the start! More major transfers targeted by Saudi Arabia

Tom Weber

• Updated: 4 May 2023 16:05 BST
• 3 min read

The Saudi Arabian government is keen to turn their country into a footballing powerhouse, and to do that more megastars are set be recruited in the near future.

Despite a tumultuous few months off the pitch and failure at the team level, Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival at Al-Nassr has been a big boost for Saudi football. With the spotlight fixed on the Riyadh giants, interest in the country's football has never been higher.

Not to be outdone by their rivals, record Asian Champions League winners Al-Hilal have been working on a deal to bring Lionel Messi to the Saudi capital. Though initially rejected because of Messi's desire to remain in Europe and return to Barcelona, Al-Hilal's €400 million-per-year offer may look a lot more attractive now that it is becoming quite evident that the Blaugrana likely can't afford the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.

READ: Lionel Messi makes TWO Barcelona demands

Indeed, Messi is already a tourist ambassador for the country and he was suspended by current club Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday after an unauthorised trip to Riyadh during which, some reports claim, the potentialities of a move were discussed.

Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr aren't the only popular sides in the country, however, and the Saudi government is keen to spread more star power across the league.

Modric and Benzema

Al-Ahli and league leaders Al-Ittihad, where former Premier League men Ahmed Hegazy and Helder Costa ply their trade, in particular are two clubs that want to land similar transfer coups, according to Footmercato.

Al-Ahli have reportedly identified none other than Luka Modric as a target. Though he would prefer to stay at Real Madrid for another season, the 37-year-old may be tempted by a lucrative offer in the future.

READ: Greed is good, if you're Lionel Messi

Al-Ittihad, meanwhile, are apparently courting Los Blancos teammate Karim Benzema, and they have already made an offer to the striker, which he declined. He, too, wants to stay in Spain for now. One thing is clear, though: Saudi Arabia has lofty ambitions.