Saudi Pro League officials have begun early planning for the upcoming summer transfer window, aiming to continue attracting top international football stars and enhance the league's standing on the global stage. Amidst growing reports of renewed negotiations to bring Liverpool's Egyptian star Mohamed Salah to Al-Ittihad, another prominent name from the English Premier League has emerged on the radar of Saudi clubs.
According to Foot Mercato, Mohamed Salah's agent is in advanced talks with Al-Ittihad regarding a potential move to the Russian Premier League. The report indicates that Salah has become more open to the idea of leaving Liverpool, especially after last summer's attempts were rejected by his English club. Salah represents a strategic target given his immense popularity in the Arab world and his status as one of the world's best players.
But Saudi ambitions aren't limited to Salah. Sports journalist Khaled Al-Rashid confirmed that league officials are also pursuing Portuguese star Bruno Fernandes, captain and playmaker of Manchester United. Fernandes, who was previously linked with a move to Al-Hilal, is considered one of the Red Devils' most prominent and consistent players since joining from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020 for £47 million. This season, he has continued to deliver outstanding performances, scoring 6 goals and providing 13 assists in 25 Premier League appearances so far.
General context: A football revolution within the framework of Vision 2030
These moves are part of a broader, more comprehensive strategy that began with the arrival of Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in late 2012. That deal sparked a revolution in the transfer market, followed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund's acquisition of four of the league's biggest clubs (Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli). This massive financial backing enabled the clubs to attract big names like Karim Benzema, Neymar Jr., Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez, and N'Golo Kanté, transforming the competitive landscape and raising the bar for ambition.
Importance and expected impact: A qualitative leap for the Saudi League
The Saudi League's success in acquiring players of the caliber of Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes will not only be a technical boost but a qualitative leap on all levels. Domestically, it will intensify competition and raise the quality of matches, attracting more fans to the stadiums. Regionally and internationally, it will enhance the value of television broadcasting rights and expand the league's global viewership, allowing it to compete with major European leagues. Furthermore, the presence of these stars contributes to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and strengthen the Kingdom's position as a global destination for sports and entertainment.
These efforts reflect a clear desire among Saudi officials to build a league that does not only target stars at the end of their careers, but also players at the peak of their performance, which confirms that the Saudi project is long-term and aims to establish the Roshan League as one of the most important leagues in the world.
