A host of Premier League names feature highly on a shortlist of transfer targets for the Saudi Pro League this summer.
Saudi Arabian clubs are plotting big moves in the transfer market this summer, in a bid to continue the expansion of the nation’s domestic league. A post-World Cup ‘transfer purge’ is in the plans of Saudi Arabia’s football officials, according to talkSPORT.
There are a number of Premier League players listed among 50 peak-age foreign signings targeted in the summer.
Top of the wish-list is Mohamed Salah, following previous failed attempts to land the winger. Al-Ittihad saw a £150m bid rejected by Liverpool in 2023, but a renewed attempt could conclude a deal this time around.
Salah’s reduced output this season and fallout with Arne Slot earlier in the campaign could lead to an exit from Anfield, should a suitable offer arrive. He is contracted to Liverpool until 2027.
Bruno Fernandes is another priority player for the SPL. Saudi sides were prepared to spend around £100m on the Manchester United midfielder last summer, but Fernandes rejected the approaches to remain at Old Trafford. He later said he felt ‘hurt’ by United’s willingness to negotiate his sale.
“I decided not to go [to Saudi Arabia], not only for family reasons, but because I genuinely liked the club,” Fernandes said.
“From the club I felt, ‘if you go it’s not that bad for us’. It hurts me a bit. More than hurting, makes me sad, I’m a player who has nothing to point to, I’m always available, I always give the best of me.”
It’s unclear whether his stance on Saudi has softened, though the expectation is Fernandes would prefer to remain in Europe if he left United this summer.
Other names of interest to the SPL include soon-to-be free agent Casemiro, who has announced he’s not extending his contract at Manchester United.
Aston Villa duo Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans, and Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli, have also been named as targets.
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