Top 10 players who can still join Saudi Pro League this summer

Europe's best talented players are following Cristiano Ronaldo's footsteps

The big story of this summer transfer window has been the rise of the Saudi Pro League as a hot destination looking to attract the biggest stars in European football, and with the capacity of Saudis to spend, the league is making progress with the potential of being one of the top five leagues in the world.

The lure of lucrative contracts continues to attract star names to the Saudi Pro League. Recently, Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante have joined defending champions Al Ittihad, while a host of Premier League players considering bold switches to the Middle East.

Here are the top 10 players who can still join Saudi Pro League this summer:

10. Riyad Mahrez

Despite his desire to make the switch, Mahrez maintains a strong relationship with Manchester City. He had been a key player in City's record-breaking season which saw them lift the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in the 2022-23 campaign. 

The Algerian international has already reached an agreement with the Saudi Arabian investment fund PIF over a potential move, his move depends on City's willingness to allow him to leave the club.

9. Jordan Henderson

The 33-year-old England international has been at Liverpool since 2011, and his current contract at Merseyside runs until 2025. He was the captain of the Liverpool side that won the Premier League title and the Champions League.

Reds legend Gerrard made it his priority to lure ex-teammate Henderson over to the Middle East. The Saudi side plan to make the 33-year-old one of the top earners in world football. Henderson has already informed boss Jurgen Klopp of his desire to seek a new adventure abroad, with the German giving his skipper the green light to join.

8. Fabinho

Fabinho, the Brazilian legend this week emerged as a target for the Saudi Pro League champions although Liverpool were insistent they had not received any communication from clubs interested in the player, however they received the official offer for the Brazilian.

The 29-year-old has not travelled with the squad that jetted out to Germany on Saturday for a 10-day training camp as the Reds consider an offer from Al Ittihad for the midfielder, Liverpool might lose both of their midfielders this transfer window.

7. Saul Niguez

Numerous other prominent stars from Europe’s top fiver leagues could also be playing their club football in Saudi Arabia next term, too – among them Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. Saul isn’t the only Chelsea disappointment seemingly on the radar of a Saudi club right now with Kante and Mendy already joining the Saudi league.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul is considering a move to Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr. However, Diego Simeone's side will demand a significant fee with the Spain international still under contract until 2026.

6. Gianluigi Buffon

The 2006 World Cup winner is still plying his trade in Serie B, having returned to Parma in the summer of 2021. Last season, he made 19 appearances across all competitions. The recent PIF investment in Saudi Arabian football has caused ripples across the European market.

Veteran Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has been offered a contract worth €30m, if he decides to join, he’d be the second Italian to play in the Saudi Pro League after Sebastian Giovinco, who played for Al-Hilal from 2019 to 2021.

5. Neymar

PSG's superstar has expressed he wants out of the Ligue 1 and is very keen on joining Cristiano Ronaldo and the other superstars who have left Europe to join the Saudi league. Reports suggest that he is one of the superstars Saudi is targeting this summer transfer window. Al Hilal wants to sign Neymar, however it remains to be seen if Neymar actually wants to stay in Europe or make his move considering the money Saudi will provide him.

4. Raphinha

Raphinha, a player whose continuity has been in doubt, could be the next to board the gravy train of Saudi football. Saudi club Al-hilal and Barcelona have had quite some history already this summer when they both were chasing Lionel Messi.

After failing to convince Messi, the Saudi club has made an offer for the Brazilian, in light of a firm offer, Barca will study it knowing that they still have to pay Leeds more than €40 million for the 26-year-old at a time when they have failed to attract offers of the same amount for the likes of Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati.

3. Paul Pogba

Pogba has endured a horrific time since returning to Juventus last summer, injuries plagued his season, limiting him to just six Serie A appearances playing only 108 minutes. However, he believes he can bounce back in the coming campaign and hopes to be a key figure for Massimiliano Allegri's team.

Al-Ahli has already informed his agent of the proposal. Juve would ask for 10 million to release the midfielder, they will save some money if they decide to offload him in this summer.

2. Wilfried Zaha

Zaha, who will be a free agent when his contract with Crystal Palace expires at the end of the month, held more talks with Al-Nassr but the talks didn't advance because the Saudi side cannot sign any player after receiving a ban. Even though there are a lot of European clubs interested in the Ivorian, he still considers a move to Saudi league as a possibilty.

1. Jordi Alba

Recently departed Barcelona left back Jordi Alba already has several offers on the table for next season and is currently weighing up whether to move to Saudi Arabia or the United States of America. Saudi Arabia is the main competition in Alba's case.

The country is investing a lot of money in the Saudi Pro League and several other ageing stars have already been persuaded to come and try to raise the profile of the game there. Jordi Alba will make his decision to either join his former teammates Messi and Busquets in MLS or to make a move to Saudi League.