The Saudi Pro League (SPL) is preparing another summer assault on Europe’s top stars, with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker reportedly among their targets, per the Guardian.
This aggressive transfer strategy aims to further boost the league’s profile after a record-breaking spending spree in 2023.
The SPL finished second only to the Premier League in transfer spending last summer, bringing in nearly 100 foreign players for a combined £750 million.
Salah, who was the subject of a staggering £150 million bid from Al-Ittihad rejected last year, is an obvious target again.
Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper Alisson, whose contract runs until 2027, is also of interest to several Saudi clubs.
Concerns have been raised about player discontent within the league, with former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte recently expressing unhappiness after his move to Al-Nassr in January.
League officials seem aware of the settling-in challenges and hope the recent opening of Red Sea resorts – the first of 50 planned – will make the move more attractive for players.
Salah, whose contract with Liverpool expires in 2025, is reportedly open to a move.
The league also wants to boost competitiveness by attracting private sponsors to clubs not backed by the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
This multi-pronged approach could make the SPL a major force in the coming years.
Liverpool are preparing for massive changes this summer, with manager Jurgen Klopp leaving club after the final game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders will be Red Bull Salzburg’s new head coach, with fellow assistant Vitor Matos following him.
Massive question marks surround the futures of Salah, Virgil Van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Their contracts expire in 2025, and the club must decide whether to offer them new deals or cash in.
