Saudi Pro League clubs are targeting Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne for recruitment when their contracts expire at the end of next season. These high-profile players are seen as key targets to enhance the growing roster of superstar talent in the Saudi league.
Saudi Pro League Monitoring Salah and De Bruyne
Salah and De Bruyne are considered major additions to the league. Saudi Arabia approached Salah last season, but now the league is waiting for his contract to expire before making another move. According to The Telegraph, Saudi Pro League clubs are keeping a close eye on both players and will be able to negotiate with them as early as January next year.
Since signing Cristiano Ronaldo in January 2023, Saudi Pro League clubs have aggressively pursued top football stars. Salah could join his former teammates Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, who have already moved to Saudi Arabia. Similarly, Aymeric Laporte, a former teammate of De Bruyne at Manchester City, now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
The Bosman ruling, introduced in 1995, facilitates these players' moves without a transfer fee. This ruling allows players in the EU to switch clubs at the end of their contracts without a transfer fee. The ruling occurred when Jean-Marc Bosman won a court case to transfer from RFC Liege in Belgium to Dunkerque in France for free. Without transfer fees, this has enabled many high-profile moves, like those of Sol Campbell, Andrea Pirlo, and Robert Lewandowski.
Salah's current season with Liverpool has ended, and he recently made headlines with a new shaved-head look as he prepares for pre-season. On the other hand, De Bruyne still has an FA Cup final against Manchester United and the European Championship to focus on before the end of this season.
Impact of High-Profile Moves
Salah and De Bruyne's potential moves to the Saudi Pro League would significantly boost the league's profile. Their transfers would attract global attention and could lead to more top players considering a move to Saudi Arabia. The league's targeting of well-known stars aims to increase its competitiveness and appeal.
Signing players like Salah and De Bruyne also benefits the league's marketing and commercial prospects. These players bring a large fan base and media attention, which can help negotiate better sponsorship deals and broadcasting rights. The presence of such talent can elevate the overall quality of football in the league, attracting more fans to watch the games in stadiums and on television.
For the players, moving to the Saudi Pro League offers lucrative contracts and the opportunity to be part of an emerging football market. This trend of high-profile transfers to Saudi Arabia could reshape the football landscape, making the league a new hub for top talent. The league has already seen increased interest and investment, and adding stars like Salah and De Bruyne would only accelerate this growth.
Additionally, these moves highlight the shifting dynamics in football, where leagues outside Europe are becoming more competitive and attractive to top players. The Saudi Pro League's aggressive recruitment strategy shows its determination to become a major force in global football.
The Saudi Pro League's interest in Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne signifies its ambition to become a major player in the world of football. The league aims to enhance its competitiveness and global appeal by attracting top talent. As these potential moves unfold, they could mark a significant shift in the football world, influencing how clubs and players approach transfers and contracts in the future. The Saudi Pro League's rise could inspire other leagues to adopt similar strategies, leading to a more diverse and globally interconnected football community.