The summer transfer window is just around the corner and the Saudi Pro League could be set for even more superstar signings.
The transfer landscape shifted dramatically last year as clubs from the Saudi Pro League spent millions to bring some of Europe’s top players to Saudi Arabia.
Records were smashed as clubs around the world spent £5.9bn on international transfers, with Saudi clubs spending £701.3m, more than clubs in France, Germany, Italy and Spain - only the Premier League spent more in Europe’s top five leagues.
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Players like Neymar, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez and Ruben Neves all headed to the Middle East and more spending is expected this summer.
According to various reports, many of the Premier League’s top players will be targeted again, with Alisson Becker, Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah believed to be top of many shortlists.
However, fresh reports claim Al Hilal could break the Saudi transfer record to sign another European superstar, AC Milan forward Rafael Leao.
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The forward has been regularly linked with a move to the Premier League after emerging as one Italy’s brightest talents but talks are believed to be underway over a record-breaking move to Jorge Jesus’ side.
Ojogo report Leao’s father will travel to Saudi Arabia this week to oversee negotiations and the forward’s €175M release clause is not believed to be an issue.
Al Hilal - who were crowned this season’s Saudi Pro League champions - are believed to want to challenge strongly in the 2025 Club World Cup where they could face the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea.
Back in February, Leao vowed to commit his future to Milan, the club who signed him from Lille in 2019.
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He said: “My future is at AC Milan. I'm here and I still have a four-year contract. Milan helped me when I was in a very difficult situation, they stood by me. I don't forget, I am loyal. I arrived as a young boy, here I have grown as a man and as a footballer. I want to win again, my head is here.”
Featured Image Credit: SPL/GettyTopics: Saudi Pro League, Transfer News, Premier League, AC Milan
Marcus Banks