List of players linked with move to Saudi Pro League in summer 2023

There are some World Cup winners on the list

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo currently plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, and he helped his team finish second in the rankings the previous campaign.

Out-of-contract players from the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and Serie A are being sought after by the Saudi Pro League and the nation's Department of Sport for the Middle East.

The winner of the World Cup is expected to sign a contract with Al-Hilal worth €400 million net every season, plus marketing deals, rekindling their rivalry during the summer.

Over the duration of the two-year deal, the Argentine international is predicted to make up to €1 billion.

Karim Benzema is also anticipated to sign with reigning champions Al-Ittihad, with the Ballon d'Or winner set to make almost €200 million annually.

As Saudi Arabia prepares to submit a bid for the 2030 World Cup, up to seven more prominent athletes might join the Saudi Pro League this summer on free transfers.

Saudi Arabia is already among the richest nations, and it appears that they want to invest in sports as well. Last year, the Public Investment Fund purchased Newcastle United and provided financial support, enabling them to qualify for the Champions League the following year.

And more recently, they acquired 50% of the stockholders of other Saudi clubs like Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Hilal. Saudi Arabia aspires to establish itself as a major league around the world, and Ronaldo's acquisition has inspired them to strive for the acquisition of additional prominent European players.

The following players are linked with a move to Saudi Pro League

Lionel Messi - Argentina

Ilkay Gundogan - Germany

N'Golo Kante - France

Sergio Ramos - Spain

Sergio Busquets - Spain

Jordi Alba - Spain

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - Gabon

Iago Aspas -Spain

Alexis Sanchez - Chile

Thiago Silva - Brazil

Yerry Mina - Colombia

Roberto Firmino - Brazil

Adama Traore - Spain

Abdoulaye Doucoure - Mali

Wilfried Zaha - Ivory Coast