Roshen League clubs renew their interest in Scott McTominay
The spotlight has once again fallen on the future of Scottish star Scott McTominay, the Manchester United midfielder, with increasing reports of a lucrative offer from a Saudi Arabian club. According to reliable Italian journalist Nicola Schira, who specializes in player transfer news, McTominay is facing interest from both the Saudi league and the English Premier League, but the player currently prefers to continue his career in European football.
Schirra explained that the 27-year-old Scottish international currently prefers to remain with Manchester United, especially as negotiations to extend his contract are progressing positively. Reports indicate that the Red Devils have offered the player a contract extension until 2030, with an option for an additional year, along with an improved annual salary, reflecting his importance to the club's future plans.
General context and ambitions of the Saudi League
This interest comes amidst the significant transformation the Saudi Professional League has undergone since the summer of 2023, becoming a magnet for top international football stars. Thanks to substantial support from the Public Investment Fund, major Saudi clubs like Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli have successfully attracted prominent names from European leagues, aiming to elevate the league's technical level and increase its global popularity. Targeting players at the peak of their careers, such as McTominay, represents a continuation of this ambitious strategy, which is no longer limited to players nearing the end of their playing days.
The importance of the deal and its potential impact
McTominay's name being linked to a move to Al-Hilal is not new, with reports last summer indicating the club's interest in signing him to bolster their midfield. Completing such a deal would have a multifaceted impact; domestically, it would add a player of high technical and physical quality to the Saudi league, raising the level of competition. Internationally, it would further underscore the financial strength and competitiveness of the Saudi league in the global transfer market.
For McTominay, this offer represents a turning point in his career. On one hand, there's the lucrative financial package that could significantly secure his future, and on the other, there's his ambition to continue playing at the highest level in the Premier League and the Champions League with his boyhood club, Manchester United, where he progressed through the youth ranks to the first team. Although he doesn't start every match, he has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to decide games with decisive goals, making him a valuable asset for manager Erik ten Hag.
