Top five players who could join Saudi Pro League this summer

Several world-class players could potentially join the Saudi Pro League this summer.

Ever since Cristiano Ronaldo’s historic move to Al-Nassr in early 2023, the Saudi Pro League has changed the landscape of world football.

Several world-class players have followed suit in the last two years, with the hopes of bagging lucrative contract deals. This surely helps them to secure their foreseeable future with generational wealth.

With that said, here are the five players who could join the Saudi Pro League this summer:

5. Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich)

After an underwhelming last few seasons at Bayern Munich, Serge Gnabry is one of the favourites to exit the German club this summer. This move will help Bayern to generate additional funds for potential transfer targets.

In the 2023-24 season, the 29-year-old forward endured a disappointing campaign. He made just 20 appearances for Bayern across all competitions, registering a mere five goals and two assists in the process. Due to his recurring injury problems, Gnabry also missed out on the opportunity to represent Germany at Euro 2024.

With Serge Gnabry being one of the highest earners at the club as well as being prone to constant fitness issues, a potential move to the Saudi Pro League this summer could prove to be ideal for all the involved parties.

4. Vitor Roque (FC Barcelona)

Talented Brazilian forward Vitor Roque has endured a torrid seven months at Barcelona so far. Roque had joined the Spanish giants in the January transfer window from Athletico Paranaense for a deal worth €40 million.

Under former manager Xavi, Roque made just 16 substitute appearances off the bench. The player’s agent had also made a public statement regarding his client’s mistreatment.

The situation under new coach Hansi Flick appears to be the same. The Barcelona board hope to sell the 19-year-old striker in order to comply with the Financial Fair Play rules of LaLiga.

With clubs such as Al-Hilal showing serious interest in the player, Vitor Roque could potentially have to settle for a move to Saudi Arabia this summer in order to get more game time.

3. Casemiro (Manchester United)

Experienced midfielder Casemiro is one of the firm favourites to exit Manchester United this summer with the English club in the middle of a massive rebuild. After an incredible debut campaign at United, where he was the standout performer for the club, the 32-year-old midfielder had a disastrous following season.

In his 32 appearances during the 2023-24 season, the Brazilian international proved to be a liability on the pitch, with his poor in-game decision-making, unforced errors and overall mediocre displays massively hindering the team.

With several top clubs from the Saudi Pro League interested in signing Casemiro, the Manchester United board will hope to offload him in order to get rid of his lucrative contract from the wage bill.

2. Ederson (Manchester City)

Even with reigning Premier League champions Manchester City not keen on selling their star goalkeeper Ederson this summer, the player has become a hot transfer target for several clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

In his seven seasons at the Etihad Stadium so far, Ederson has consistently been one of the best goalkeepers in the world, winning multiple domestic and European silverware. After winning a lot with the Cityzens, the 30-year-old goalkeeper has expressed his desire for a move to Saudi Arabia in pursuit of a new challenge.

1. Victor Osimhen (Napoli)

Possibly one of the biggest moves that could transpire this summer is Napoli’s star striker Victor Osimhen joining the Saudi Pro League. Ever since his mammoth €78 million switch from LOSC Lille, Osimhen has consistently been one of Napoli’s best players, even guiding the club to Serie A glory.

Last season, the 25-year-old forward was one of the only bright spots in an otherwise disappointing Napoli team. He bagged 17 goals and four assists in 32 appearances across all competitions. Many top clubs, such as PSG and Chelsea have shown serious interest in signing Osimhen in this transfer window, with the player desperate to leave the Italian side.

With Napoli standing firm with their release clause demand of €130 million and Victor Osimhen being open to a potential move to Saudi Arabia, another superstar player could well and truly be seen playing in the Saudi Pro League this upcoming season.

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