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Analysis
- 25 minutes ago
Salah, Vini Jr and Bruno Fernandes lead STUNNING 50-man Saudi signing shortlist
Robin Bairner
- 23 Jan 2026 08:34 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Mohamed Salah, Vinicius Junior and Bruno Fernandes are just some of the names on the shortlist of the Saudi Pro League as it prepares to embark on its most incredible signing spree yet.
A blistering new wave of transfer business has been plotted by Saudi for after the 2026 World Cup that threatens to shift the balance of footballing power towards the Gulf state, with TalkSport outlining their dramatic plans that will leave almost no major club untouched.
While the plans largely revolve around signing veteran stars, their shortlist also includes unsettled younger players such as Real Madrid ace Vini Jr and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli.
Current ETV
Mohamed Salah
F, M (R)
Mohamed Salah
F, M (R)
Liverpool
ETV Range
€41.5M - €50.8M
What stars are the Saudi Pro League targeting?
Saudi is preparing to shake up the footballing landscape with a dramatic and expensive transfer campaign.
Many of the players listed – Salah, Vini Jr, Bruno, Robert Lewandowski and Casemiro – have been linked with in the past, and they are now preparing to step up their interest in these stars with a flood of new investment into the market.
Ronaldo departure prompts new deals
This assault has been timed ahead of the likely departure of Cristiano Ronaldo from Al-Nassr in 2027. Saudi fear a global loss of interest in the Pro League once the Portuguese legend retires, and they are therefore targeting an influx of new stars.
Furthermore, Ronaldo could also be retained as a club owner. He already has a stake in Al-Nassr that could rise to 15%.
A new order in Saudi football
Allied to this, the four major PIF controlled clubs – Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli – are all in the midst of being privatised, prompting further internal competition in the league.
This will step up thanks to the arrival of Diriyah FC, whose recruitment is being led by former Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman. They are pinpointed as a “club to watch” and are said to be particularly targeting Lewandowski, who has been heavily linked with a move to MLS.
Confirmed Saudi Pro League targets for 2026
Mo Salah (Liverpool)
Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)
Casemiro (Man Utd)
Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa)
Amadou Onana (Aston Villa)
Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
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