Top five superstars who could join Saudi Pro League in summer 2023

Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante were the recent recruits

Prior to Cristiano Ronaldo's record-breaking move to Al Nassr last winter, playing the last seasons of your career for a Saudi Arabian club wasn't a particularly strange choice for a European football player. But the presence of the Portuguese superstar appears to have fundamentally altered the Saudi football environment.

With clubs already vying with European teams in the transfer market, the Saudi Pro League is poised to welcome an increasing number of household names in the near future.

Check at the five players who could join Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and N'Golo Kante in the Saudi Pro League in the upcoming campaign.

5. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Thomas Tuchel specifically requested the signing of the Gabonese player for Chelsea late last season, and once the German was abruptly let go by the Blues, Aubameyang found himself out of favour at Stamford Bridge.

Aubameyang's misery in west London appears to be reaching an end after a terrible stretch in which he scored just three goals in 22 games and was also dropped from Chelsea's Champions League squad.

Up to four Pro League clubs are reportedly keeping an eye on the status of Aubameyang, with Karim Benzema's new team Al-Ittihad and Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr being mentioned as possible options. The two other front-runners are Al-Ahli and Al-Shabab.

4. Romelu Lukaku

Prior to the upcoming season, Lukaku is expected to join Chelsea after his loan agreement with Inter Milan expires.

Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea's newly appointed manager, reportedly wants to give Luakaku "another chance" in the upcoming season. However, a Saudi Arabian offer might persuade the Belgian star to end his second stint at Stamford Bridge.

According to a rumour, Lukaku is willing to join Al Hilal and has already been to Saudi Arabia to meet with the team's executives. Lukaku has reportedly received a €50 million, two-year contract offer from the Saudi powerhouse.

3. Ilkay Gundogan

Ilkay Gundogan served as one of the squad's most crucial players amid their successful season, as evidenced by his two goals against city rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final. Nevertheless, the German international appears to be leaving Manchester City this summer.

According to reports, Gundogan has received a sizable offer from Saudi Arabia to play in their league as they attempt to lure many famous football players to expand their league internationally.

2. Riyad Mahrez

Riyad Mahrez is another City player who is on the radar of Saudi clubs, although he still has many years left to play at the European level. An exorbitant offer from a Saudi club? always hard to reject.

Mahrez has spent a significant amount of his career at the Etihad as a key player for the City team. In fact, he has played on 236 occasions since coming from Leicester City in 2018, tallying 78 goals and 59 assists.

Mahrez has been a target for the Saudi team Al Ahli due to his successful performance. They are reportedly prepared to make him an offer of somewhere around £85 million for a two-year deal.

1. Luka Modric

After witnessing Lionel Messi choose Inter Miami, Al-Hilal decided to give the 37-year-old midfield legend their top priority. Additionally, they intend to offer the Real Madrid stalwart a massive two-year deal for £60 million per term.

Furthermore, despite earlier rejecting offers from the Middle East, Modric is reportedly contemplating the option of moving there.

As they attempt to raise their reputation in preparation for a prospective World Cup bid in 2030, Saudi Arabia has made an effort to seek out previous Ballon d'Or winners.