Manchester City Skipper Kevin De Bruyne has made the decision to leave Manchester City to join one of the biggest clubs in world football!
According to a report from 90min, the Saudi Pro League has set its sights on Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne as primary targets for the upcoming summer transfer window. After the significant signings of Neymar, Fabinho, and Karim Benzema in the previous summer to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi negotiators are once again strategizing to attract some of Europe’s top players to the Middle East.
In a list featuring nearly 100 potential alternatives, twenty elite targets have been identified, and Saudi officials aim to persuade almost half of these elite players to consider a move. This approach mirrors the strategy employed in the summer of 2023. The top priorities on the want list are Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne, recognized as the division’s prime targets by 90min.
Within Saudi Arabia, there is a belief that Mohamed Salah may be open to relocating, especially as he approaches the end of his contract with Liverpool. A new approach is expected this summer, although it remains uncertain if Salah would entertain leaving Anfield, with a decision on a new contract anticipated later in the year.
As for Kevin De Bruyne, his agents have not disclosed whether the Manchester City star would be interested in a move to Saudi Arabia. With De Bruyne’s current contract set to expire in 2025, City is eager to secure his commitment to a new one. Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has publicly expressed his desire to continue working with the Belgian midfielder but acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding his future.
In the event City considers a transfer, they are likely to demand a substantial fee, potentially exceeding £100 million, reminiscent of Liverpool’s offer for Salah in the previous summer. Salah envisions joining Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, playing alongside Neymar and others, while De Bruyne could be targeted by Al Nassr or Al Ittihad. Guardiola hopes for De Bruyne to agree to a new deal, emphasizing his wish for the midfielder to stay until the conclusion of his career.
Another noteworthy player in the Saudi Pro League’s considerations is Thiago Alcantara, with several Saudi teams, including Al Ettifaq, contemplating a pre-contract with the Liverpool midfielder. Additionally, with changes in quota regulations allowing ten foreigners for the upcoming season, including two born in 2003 or later, attention is turning to younger talents. Loans may be considered to secure promising players and build relationships with elite teams.
In this context, Liverpool’s Ben Doak, Dortmund’s Almugera Kabar, Sampdoria’s Facundo Gonzalez (on loan from Juventus), and Lorient’s Eli Junior Kroupi are all under consideration for short-term contracts. The evolving landscape of the Saudi Pro League’s transfer ambitions underscores their continued pursuit of top-tier talent from European clubs.
