Five European stars who could move to Saudi Arabia in January

Tom Weber

• Updated: 28 Dec 2024 06:39 CST
• 4 min read

The Saudi Pro League's record-breaking spending has slowed down.

After emerging as a competitor to Europe's top divisions in the summer of 2023, the last two windows have been much more low-key affairs as tangible success has been found wanting.

With the exception of Cristiano Ronaldo, big-money signings have failed to have the desired impact of driving interest in the Saudi top flight. Al-Nassr star Aymeric Laporte has been critical of the league, while Jordan Henderson left Al-Ettifaq after just six months, painting the division in a bad light.

READ MORE: Saudi Pro League January transfers 2025 - All the Done Deals

€90 million Al-Hilal signing Neymar has been injured for the majority of his 18 months at the club and neither the Riyadh giants nor any other Saudi club managed to win the 2023/24 AFC Champions League (surprisingly claimed by Emirati side Al-Ain) despite a massive financial advantage.

Still, it would be foolish to think that the Saudis' transfer offensive has ended. Dealmakers have regrouped in recent months and shifted the focus to the internal market, which means that fresh money is to be pumped into domestic clubs from 2025 onwards, although the signing of top targets like Vinicius Jr, Kevin de Bruyne and Mohamed Salah will have to wait until the summer.

Below, FootballTransfers looks at five European stars who could move to Saudi Arabia in January...

Martin Dubravka (Newcastle)

Starting at the back, Newcastle shot-stopper Martin Dubravka is a top target for Pro League side Al-Shabab for the January transfer window. However, Magpies boss Eddie Howe is determined to keep hold of his No.2, who has been playing regularly due to Nick Pope's long-term injury.

Howe does not trust summer signing Odysseas Vlachodimos, who joined in a dodgy deal from Nottingham Forest, and is, therefore, reluctant to sell Dubravka.

READ MORE: Premier League January transfers 2025 - All the Done Deals

Marquinhos (PSG)

PSG captain Marquinhos only fairly recently extended his contract with the French champions, but this has not deterred Saudi chiefs from keeping in regular contact with his camp.

The defender has been on the shortlist of Saudi clubs for some time and at 30 years of age, there is a feeling that he could soon be willing to make the move despite his attachment to PSG.

Ansu Fati (Barcelona)

From wonderkid to outcast, Ansu Fati's fall from grace has been spectacular. The Barcelona winger, still only 22, has seen his career ravaged by injuries and this has, in turn, led to him struggling for minutes.

Even when fit, Fati has only rarely featured under Hansi Flick this term and, after spending last season on loan at Brighton, it is clear that his time in Catalunya is drawing to a close, with Saudi clubs among his suitors.

Marcus Rashford (Man Utd)

Marcus Rashford is on his way out of Man Utd. The player has admitted that he is keen on a new challenge and the club are desperate to raise funds.

Rashford could depart Old Trafford as early as January and he is reportedly determined to move to LaLiga. However, Spanish clubs may struggle financially to sign him mid-season, which has given rise to Saudi links.

There have been reports that Saudi sides are actually not keen on Rashford due to his diminishing stocks and previous bad experiences with English players, but it is difficult to imagine that club chiefs would actually turn their noses up if offered the chance to strike a deal.

Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea)

Another Premier League attacker linked with a January switch to the Middle East is Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku, who has failed to nail down a regular starting spot despite consistently scoring.

The France international is said to be frustrated with his lack of meaningful Premier League minutes and could look for a way out. Given that he will have no shortage of European suitors, it may prove difficult for Saudi clubs to lure the ambitious 27-year-old to the Pro League.