The 10 stars who could still move to Saudi Pro League

Updated: 4 Sept 2023 16:50 BST
5 min read

The Saudi Pro League has emerged as one of the richest divisions in football over the past year, using their wealth to convince some of the world’s best players to make the move.

Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in December 2022 to start a chain of events that has seen Europe lose several of its brightest talents.

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Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante soon followed Ronaldo, with the French pair both signing for Al-Ittihad, who are managed by former Tottenham Hotspur manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

MORE: Saudi Pro League: How to watch on TV or live stream

Neymar also joined them in Saudi Arabia when he signed for Al-Hilal on a two-year deal, after they spent €90 million to acquire his services from PSG.

Furthermore, the likes of Ruben Neves, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Fabinho all left the Premier League for the riches of Saudi Arabia in the last few months.

FootballTransfers takes a look at 10 players that could still move to the Saudi Pro League before the September 7 deadline.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Liverpool have already turned down a £150m bid from Pro league champions Al-Ittihad.

And the Jeddah-based club, who have already signed Benzema, Kante and Fabinho, have not given up their chase for the Egyptian forward.

Salah is widely regarded as the most famous Arabic football star and, as such, the Saudi Pro League are hell-bent on prying him away from Liverpool.

Paul Pogba (Juventus)

Paul Pogba's move to Juventus has been nothing short of a disaster, playing just seven league games in over a year.

The Frenchman has really struggled with injuries but that is unlikely to put off Saudi clubs, who are looking to add high-profile stars to their rosters.

Pogba is reportedly wanted by Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad, and Juve would surely be happy to see the back of his lucrative contract.

Demarai Gray (Everton)

Demarai Gray is reportedly subject to interest from Al-Ettifaq, who are managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.

Gray currently plays for The Red's fierce rivals, Everton, where he appears to be surplus to requirements.

The winger is expected to leave Goodison Park having called out manager Sean Dyche for not 'respecting him' on social media.

MORE: Saudi Pro League summer transfers 2023: All the Done Deals

Jadon Sancho (Manchester United)

Jadon Sancho's future at Manchester United is up in the air after manager Erik ten Hag's recent comments.

Ten Hag criticised Sancho's work ethic in training, which the Englishman voiced his disapproval of on social media.

The Dutch boss has since doubled down on his comments and Sancho may never take to the pitch at Old Trafford again.

Marco Verratti (PSG)

Marco Verratti is exactly the type of player that the Saudi Pro League have gone for.

Formerly a world class talent, Verratti may no longer be in PSG's plans but he is by no means finished as a quality central midfielder.

Expect him to seal a move away from Le Parc des Princes in the coming days, with Saudi Arabia a likely destination.

Thiago Alcantara (Liverpool)

Thiago Alcantara is in a similar position to Verratti, in the sense that he has more to offer a Saudi Pro League team than his current club.

Liverpool have made a host of midfield signings this summer which could see Thiago as far down as sixth in the pecking order.

Away from the high intensity of the Premier League, the classy 32-year-old could thrive in Saudi Arabia.

Koeman: "Many players joining Saudi Arabia? It's weird. That's my personal opinion. I understand the financial aspect, but I would prefer to play for a big club in Europe." pic.twitter.com/jwqzW7q6se
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) September 4, 2023

David de Gea (free agent)

David de Gea was released by Manchester United at the end of the 2022-23 season and has yet to find a new club.

Despite no longer performing at a world class level, the Spaniard is still a very good goalkeeper and it comes as a surprise than he is not at a Champions League team.

The Saudi Pro League could offer him an exciting new challenge in the coming days.

Hugo Lloris (Tottenham)

Another goalkeeper who is looking for a fresh start is Hugo Lloris, who is not in Ange Postecoglou's plans at Tottenham.

Lloris, unlike De Gea, is still under contract, but the feeling is that he would be allowed to leave for free, as Spurs want to dump his salary off the wage bill.

Having turned down a Deadline Day return to Nice, he could be on the Saudi Pro League's radar.

Jesse Lingard (free agent)

Jesse Lingard is without a club after leaving Nottingham Forest at the end of June, a year removed from his Manchester United exit.

The former England international may struggle to find another Premier League club and could be look to find a new home in Saudi Arabia.

MLS club D.C. United, managed by Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney, are reportedly interested in the 30-year-old, but they will not be able to compete with Saudi clubs from a financial perspective.