Following Cristiano Ronaldo's recent move to Al-Nassr, several established international players, many in the prime of their careers, have joined the wave heading to the Persian Gulf. Notable names include Neymar, Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Fabinho, Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, Riyad Mahrez, and Gabri Veiga, all lured by the allure of Saudi football. Even Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq made some significant signings, including former Liverpool midfielders Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum, along with Demarai Gray.
In their quest to elevate the Saudi Pro League to global prominence, talkSPORT reports that Middle Eastern leaders have identified Salah and De Bruyne as their top priorities for the upcoming summer transfer window. Liverpool's Salah had already been the subject of intense speculation about a potential move to Al-Ittihad, especially as he entered the final two years of his contract with the Reds.
Despite assurances from Jurgen Klopp and Salah's agent that the 31-year-old would remain on Merseyside, Al-Ittihad made a bold £150 million bid on deadline day, promptly rejected by Liverpool. Rumors even circulated about a world-record £200 million offer in the works by the Saudi Pro League champions, who had an extended transfer window deadline until September 7, six days after the English transfer window closed.
Al-Ittihad sent a delegation to Merseyside in hopes of finalizing a nine-figure deal, but ultimately, Salah stayed put with Liverpool. He has continued to impress, contributing four goals and four assists in the 2023-24 season, including a penalty in a recent 3-1 victory over West Ham United.
Salah achieved a remarkable feat by being the first player to score or assist in 12 successive Premier League games on two occasions. Klopp remained composed during Al-Ittihad's persistent pursuit of Salah and doesn't anticipate losing the Egyptian in January, but Nuno Espirito Santo's side intends to make another move next summer.
On the other hand, De Bruyne is said to have turned down lucrative offers from Saudi Pro League teams to stay with Manchester City. However, his 2023-24 season has been disrupted by a severe hamstring injury sustained on the opening day against Burnley. There are concerns that he may not be available for Pep Guardiola's squad until at least mid-January.
While De Bruyne's contract at the Etihad runs until the summer of 2025, City has reportedly put contract renewal discussions on hold due to his injury.
In addition to Salah and De Bruyne, the report suggests that Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson, whose contract expires at the end of the next season, is also being considered for a move to Saudi Arabia in 2024.
