Six Premier League players who could move to Saudi this summer | OneFootball

Saudi Arabia has certainly shaken up the footballing landscape and while this summer’s spending isn’t expected to be as crazy as 12 months ago, there will no doubt be big names heading to the Saudi Pro League before the deadline.

Al-Ittihad’s capture of Moussa Diaby from Aston Villa is another statement for Saudi, though it’s unlikely to be the last one.

Here are six Premier League players who could move to the Saudi Pro League this summer.

Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Jesus has been linked with Al-Ahli as the SPL side seek a replacement for Allan Saint-Maximin, who has returned to Europe after just one season in the Middle East. Jesus was a big hit during his debut season at Arsenal but struggled for form and fitness in 2023-24.

He scored just four league goals in an underwhelming campaign and saw Kai Havertz become a fan favourite when pushed into a centre-forward role in his absence.

Arsenal are understood to be targeting a number nine with talks of Viktor Gyokeres or Ivan Toney pitching up at the Emirates. Should either sign, it might convince Jesus his future lies elsewhere.

Richarlison

Al-Ahli are also considering Richarlison if reports are to be believed, with the Saudi side set on landing a Brazilian number nine.

Richarlison improved last term after a disappointing debut campaign at Tottenham, scoring 11 times in the Premier League as he earned a regular role following Harry Kane’s exit. However, Spurs are another side interested in adding a centre-forward and would entertain offers for the 27-year-old if it raised rebuild funds for Ange Postecoglou.

An offer over £60m would be difficult to turn down for the North Londoners.

Ederson

The end of an era for Manchester City?

Pep Guardiola has admitted that Ederson faces a decision on his future with a strong interest in the goalkeeper from the Saudi Pro League. The Brazilian has been an unmissable presence in City’s modern success but could feel now is the time for a lucrative new challenge after seven decorated seasons in English football.

Al-Ittihad are keen but yet to meet the €60m (£50.4m) valuation that the Citizens have placed on their number one.

Should he depart, the six-time title winner will be remembered as one of the most influential goalkeepers, certainly in style, that the Premier League has seen.

Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne’s softened stance on a transfer to the Saudi Pro League and the midfielder’s expiring contract at Manchester City have made a deal viable this summer.

The Belgian has entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Etihad and a big bid could prove tempting for a player who, despite his influence, turned 33 in June and has suffered with injury problems of late.

Pep Guardiola has insisted De Bruyne will not be leaving for the SPL, but interest in his services is high.

“At my age, you have to be open to everything. You’re talking about incredible amounts of money in what may be the end of my career. Sometimes you have to think about that,” De Bruyne said to media outlet VTM on a move to Saudi Arabia in June.

“If I play there for two years, I will be able to earn an incredible amount of money. Before that, I had to play football for 15 years. I may not even reach that amount yet.

“Then you have to think about what that could mean next. But at the moment I haven’t had to think about that yet.”

Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah and the Saudi Pro League is a transfer rumour unlikely to disappear. Liverpool stood firm in their desire to keep the Egyptian last summer and turned down a bid worth £150m from Al-Ittihad.

However, Al-Ittihad will not take losing that battle as the end of the war and renewed efforts are expected, either this summer or next.

Salah’s contract at Liverpool expires in 2025 and the Reds and player face a decision on whether to extend. Salah scored 18 goals in the Premier League last season but turned 32 last month and can not go on forever. Will Liverpool be so steadfast if another £100m+ proposal arrives at Anfield this summer?

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Expect plenty of outgoings at Chelsea this summer as the Blues look to reduce a bloated squad. Chelsea have more than 40 first-team players on their books at present and the process has begun to ship out those not in the club’s plans.

Kepa Arrizabalaga looks like a likely exit after spending last season on loan at Real Madrid, who remain interested in re-signing the Spaniard as a backup option to Thibaut Courtois, should Andriy Lunin leave.

However, Chelsea will hope interest from Saudi sides materialises into a sizeable bid, as the Blues look to claw back some of their disappointing £72m world-record investment.

Read – Hazard, Osimhen, Leao! A ridiculous XI of players Lille sold for big profit

See more – The five most expensive Premier League transfers of the summer so far

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