10 players who could move to Saudi Arabia this summer

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 3 Jul 2024 15:16 BST
5 min read

It was a relatively quiet window for the Saudi Pro League in January - but the anticipation is that they will look to spend again this summer.

The jury is out on whether the project will work out, but in the meantime, there will be money to spend.

The Pro League likes to bring in huge names who are coming to the end of their careers.

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There have already been several links to players - but here FootballTransfers goes through some of the most likely.

Luka Modric

Luka Modric maestro's elegance on the ball and wealth of experience could make him an attractive target for Saudi clubs seeking to bolster their midfield. The former Ballon d'Or winner will leave Real Madrid a legend but he’s done all that is there to achieve with Los Blancos.

Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne remains one of the best Premier League players, while Manchester City are not short on funds. But it could be time for the Belgian to move on and maximise his earnings until the end of his career. It will depend on the player’s intentions and how hard the Pro League pushes for his signature .

Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah has done it all with Liverpool. The Egyptian forward's blistering pace and lethal finishing have seen him become one of the most feared attackers in world football. A move to Saudi Arabia could offer Salah a lucrative contract, while Liverpool may have to listen to world-record-breaking offers should they come in again for the Egyptian King. It has recently been claimed that Salah wants to stay for another season, but that won't deter Saudi dealmakers.

Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku's power and proficiency in front of goal make him a sought-after striker across Europe, with his time at AS Roma proving that he still can find the net. A move to Saudi Arabia could provide him with the platform to continue his goal-scoring exploits as he enters the twilight years of his career, even if there are links between him and AC Milan/

Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes remains one of Man Utd’s most important players, but there are still links tying the Portugal international with a move to the Pro League. He’s been with the Red Devils for a significant portion of his career and it could be time for him to move on.

Casemiro

The Brazilian midfielder's tenacity and defensive prowess make him a formidable presence in the middle of the park- but his drop off in form from his second Red Devils season is clear. A switch to Saudi Arabia makes the most sense for all the parties involved in this one, especially with Ineos wanting to bring the age of the side down.

Raphael Varane

Raphael Varane's composure and ability to read the game have established him as one of the top defenders in world football, but injuries have plagued him at Old Trafford. He can deliver some decent displays but he poses too much of a risk for Man Utd to keep him.

Joao Felix

Joao Felix fulfilled his lifelong dream of playing for Barcelona by joining them on a season-long loan in 2023. Before doing so, he extended his Atletico Madrid contract until 2029 and this is posing a major issue regarding his future. His relationship with Diego Simeone is broken and Atleti are ready to cash in on him for the right price. Felix has, however, done little to justify the €60m price tag the Spaniards have slapped on him and European suitors will be few and far between this summer.

Thomas Partey

Thomas Partey has been linked with a move from Arsenal for some time now, with clubs in Italy looking the most likely. But it’s the sort of move that the Pro League would be eyeing too.

Son Heung-Min

Son Heung-Min's talent and eye for goal have made him a fan favourite at Tottenham. He still has so much to give but every player has a price and Spurs are no different.

Thiago Alcantara

Thiago Alcantara’s technical ability and vision make him a joy to watch on the field. But he’s another where injuries have not helped matters. He is out of contract next year so Liverpool must sell now to gain some money back.