Saudi Pro League Eyes Major Signings Post-World Cup

According to talkSPORT, the Saudi Pro League is aiming to secure 50 peak-age foreign signings this summer, with intensified efforts expected after the completion of the 2026 World Cup.

In their pursuit of players who can contribute for several seasons, clubs are also considering a select group of experienced stars. Notable targets include Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, and Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski.

Reports indicate that Saudi officials have conducted an exploratory inquiry regarding Salah, particularly following his recent comments about Liverpool. Michael Emenalo, the sporting director of the Saudi league, has a long-standing relationship with Salah and is anticipated to play a crucial role in any potential formal move. Al-Ittihad’s previous £150 million ($202 million) bid for Salah was turned down in 2023, but circumstances may have shifted, making the reigning Premier League champions more amenable to offers.

Al-Ittihad is also among three clubs considering a move for Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder has a €60 million release clause applicable to non-Premier League clubs and has expressed a desire for a new challenge. It has been disclosed that Manchester United previously attempted to sell him to Saudi clubs in 2025, reportedly agreeing on a £700,000-a-week contract, and he plans to reevaluate his options following this summer’s World Cup.

Additionally, Fernandes’s teammate Casemiro is a long-time target for Saudi teams as he is poised to leave United as a free agent this summer. Several other Premier League players, including Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana, as well as Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, are also under consideration. Al-Nassr is seen as a serious contender for Martinelli, who could bolster their squad with fresh talent on the left flank.

Beyond England, Al-Ahli is reportedly set to receive substantial funding to pursue a deal for Vinicius Junior, whose contract extension talks with Real Madrid are currently on hold. Ongoing discussions between Vinicius’s agency, Roc Nation Sports, and senior Saudi officials have been taking place for over a year, suggesting a transfer could be viable.

Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski, now 37, is also evaluating offers from the Middle East. These pursuits are facilitated by a strategic shift in Saudi Arabia, allowing clubs to access central funds of up to €2 billion per season, allocated based on each club’s specific needs for transfer fees, agent commissions, and salaries.

This proactive approach is prompted by the anticipated departure of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo from Al Nassr in the summer of 2027, at which point he may consider retirement. Even if he opts for a one-year extension beyond 43 years of age, plans are being devised to maintain global interest in the league post-Ronaldo, including the possibility of increasing his equity stake in Al-Nassr.