The Saudi Pro League dominated the headlines this summer, with stars like Neymar, Karim Benzema and Riyad Mahrez being lured to the burgeoning league.
In January Cristiano Ronaldo ended an ill-fated second spell at Manchester United to move to Saudi Arabia, paving the way for the world’s stars to secure transfers of their own to the Gulf state.
Six months later Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund took over four of the country’s top teams - Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli - allowing the division to offer wages and transfer fees that exceed the powers of most of Europe’s elite.
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The Saudi Pro League will only grow further, and here are ten players that could make a move there next summer.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah, the most high-profile Arab player in world football, was this summer the subject of a £150million verbal offer from Al Ittihad, that was duly rejected by Liverpool.
However, the Reds’ resolve is likely to be tested again in January or next summer, with the Saudi club widely reported to be determined to land the Egyptian.
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Indeed, Sky Sports claimed Al Ittihad are willing to pay Salah around £1.5million a week, which would make him the highest-paid player in Saudi football.
Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho was linked with a move to Al Ettifaq on Thursday, hours before the close of the Saudi transfer window.
While a deal was never thought to be close, Sancho’s relationship with Erik ten Hag is tense and should it not mend in the coming months, the Saudi Pro League could reignite their interest in the 23-year-old England international.
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Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba’s disappointing second spell at United was followed by an injury-hit return to Juventus. In turn, the 30-year-old, one of the game’s most high-profile Muslim players, was linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League all summer.
Indeed, in his CaughtOffside column, Jonathan Johnson Pogba will likely move to Al Ittihad once he is back to full fitness and playing regularly again.
Bernardo Silva
Following the move of his Portugal international teammate Ruben Neves to Al Hilal, Manchester City star Bernardo Silva was thought to be the subject of a mega offer from the Saudi Pro League.
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Silva, who had also been linked with Barcelona and PSG, instead signed a one-year extension which will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2026.
Yet should Silva be offered another lucrative offer from the Gulf state, a transfer could be on the cards next year.
Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey was the subject of interest from Al Ahli this summer after Arsenal spent some £105million on England international Declan Rice.
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The 30-year-old Ghana international ultimately stayed at the Emirates, but given his age, injury issues (Partey is currently out with a muscular injury in his upper leg), and with just two years remaining on his deal, Arsenal may look to cash in next summer.
Romelu Lukaku
Following the end of his loan spell at Inter, Romelu Lukaku received an offer from Al Hilal which the striker rejected.
Instead, he moved to Roma on loan, enticed by the prospect of working under Jose Mourinho once more. Should Lukaku endure an unsuccessful spell in the Italian capital, the Belgian may be lured by the Saudi coin.
Luka Modric
Luka Modric, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, reportedly rejected a three-year, $215million (£172million) deal and signed a new one-year deal at Real Madrid.
At 37, should Modric’s play time at Madrid not improve, he could be convinced to move to Saudi Arabia for one last pay-day.
Saul
Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul considered a move to Al Nassr this summer, only for the La Liga side to demand a significant fee for the Spain international, who is still under contract until 2026.
Atletico may demand less next summer, however, should the Saudi club reignite their interest.
Thiago Silva
This summer Thiago Silva publicly stated his intention to see out the remainder of a Chelsea contract which expires in summer 2024.
Should the 38-year-old not retire at the conclusion of this season, he could be tempted by a final pay-day in Saudi Arabia.
Luis Diaz
The Colombian winger was said to be on the radar of Saudi club Al Hilal this summer, though Liverpool were reluctant to lose the winger.
The Saudi Pro League have the player on the radar it seems, and may make a tempting offer next summer.
Topics: Mohamed Salah, Jadon Sancho, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Romelu Lukaku, Thomas Partey, Thiago Silva
Chris Byfield