Messi and Ronaldo to be joined by SEVEN stars in Saudi Pro League – Romano

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 5 Jun 2023 08:42 BST
• 3 min read

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Saudi Pro League is still hoping to attract as many as seven leading footballers over the course of the summer – on top of Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema, who appear destined to move to the Gulf league.

Cristiano Ronaldo already turns out for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, with the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend leading his side to second place in the standings last season.

His rivalry with Messi is set to be renewed over the summer, with the World Cup winner destined to join Al-Hilal on a deal that is worth €400 million net per season, plus commercial deals. It is believed that the Argentina international could earn up to €1 billion over the course of a two-year contract.

MORE: Messi wants Barcelona return but there’s a HUGE obstacle

Furthermore, Karim Benzema is expected to join defending champions Al-Ittihad, with the Ballon d’Or winner set to earn around €200m per year.

As many as seven more major stars could join the Saudi Pro League on free transfers this summer, with Saudi Arabia gearing up to make a bid for the 2030 World Cup.

Lionel Messi at PSG: Goals, assists, results & fixtures in 2022-23

What players are moving to the Saudi Pro League?

Sergio Ramos could make the move after confirming his exit from PSG at the weekend. According to Romano, the legendary defender has already had contact with Pro League clubs.

Two Barcelona players could be on their way to join Messi, too. Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba are both out of contract this summer and are being heavily linked with free transfers. Both have proposals in Europe.

There are also a couple of Chelsea players being sought after. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and N’Golo Kante are both cited by Romano, who highlighted that the situation of the midfielder, in particular, is 50-50.

Ex-Liverpool player Iago Aspas, who turns out with Celta Vigo, and Alexis Sanchez, who is coming off a productive season with Marseille in Ligue 1, are the other players who could join Messi and Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League this summer.