Back page The Saudi Pro League has been the major talking point in the early stages of the summer transfer window so far, with several world-class players making the switch to the Arabian Peninsula.
Cristiano Ronaldo was a catalyst for others to follow after his move to Al-Nassr at the end of December but nobody would have expected to see these current events. The reported money that players are being offered is astronomical and it would be very hard for them to turn it down.
Players who are still in their prime are being swayed by the prospect of playing in the Saudi Pro League, but who could make the move there this summer?
Riyad Mahrez
After being a key part in Manchester City treble-winning season, Riyad Mahrez is one of a long list of players that is currently being linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
The Algerian winger assisted ten and scored five in 30 Premier League appearances last campaign, averaging a goal contribution every other game.
Mahrez arrived at the Etihad Stadium in 2018 and in that time, he has lifted four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups and one UEFA Champions League title.
He has one year left on his current deal and Al-Ahli have reportedly sent an official contract proposal to Mahrez, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Neymar
A player who seems to be linked with a move away from Paris Saint-Germain in every transfer window, Neymar has struggled with injuries in the past few seasons.
The 31-year-old has struggled in Paris since his move there in 2018 and has been looking for a move away for some time now.
A return to Barcelona would be the dream for the Brazilian, however, the Blaugrana are currently having financial problems.
Saudi sides have already signed a number of established stars, including Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté, and Neymar could follow suit.
According to the Daily Mail, Al-Hilal have already held talks with the Brazilian international and PSG are open to offers. It certainly wouldn’t be a surprise to see Neymar in the Saudi Pro League soon.
Hugo Lloris
Despite having a poor campaign with Tottenham Hotspur last season, Hugo Lloris could have a switch to Saudi Arabia is on the cards.
Ange Postecoglou has already identified ideal goalkeeper replacements for Lloris with Empoli’s Guglielmo Vicario set to be the replacement, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The French ‘keeper has been a superb servant for Spurs ever since his arrival in 2012 but after 11 years, it looks like Tottenham are going in a different direction under Postecoglou.
A report in The Times from May stated that Lloris had received an offer from an unknown Saudi side who would treble his current wages.
With a future at Tottenham looking uncertain, Lloris could also go to Saudi Arabia.
Marcelo Brozović
After being one of the best central midfielders in Serie A for Inter Milan last season, Marcelo Brozović looks set to sign for Al-Nassr.
The Croatian midfielder completed 74.5 passes per game last season with a pass completion rate of 88% and he was also only dispossessed on six occasions.
Brozović had a disappointing end to the 22/23 campaign following defeats in the UEFA Champions League and Nations League finals but he still had a fantastic personal season.
He has been superb in his position in recent seasons and has been tipped to replace Sergio Busquets at Barcelona.
However, despite these links, Brozović has aggreed terms on a £20 million-a-year deal until the summer of the 2026 at Al-Nassr – emphasising the financial pulling power of the Saudi top-flight.
Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey played a key role in Arsenal finishing in second place in the Premier League next season, however, he could be the next star in the Saudi Pro League.
Arsenal are desperate to secure the services of Declan Rice this summer and are also looking for another midfielder. This would see Partey be dropped so the Gunners are willing to sanction a sale.
There was a lot of excitement when Partey joined from Atlético Madrid in 2020 and even though he has shown glimpses, he has struggled with injuries.
According to Fabrizio Romano, a bid is yet to be made for the midfielder but there have been approaches from Saudi clubs.
Following the big-name moves of recent weeks, who else do you think could be playing in the Saudi Pro League next season?
