After Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and soon Ngolo Kanté, the clubs of the Saudi Pro League are continuing their hunt for big stars. In their sights too are African players, and not the least.
Al Nassr signed Cristiano Ronaldo last January. This summer, Karim Benzema joined the Saudi league. The clubs of the Saudi Pro League are increasingly present in the transfer market and are prepared to splash the cash to attract the best players. Many Africans are in their sights.
Sadio Mané
Having arrived at Bayer Munich from Liverpool last summer, Sadio Mané had high hopes of continuing to ride his wave of success. However, he had a very complicated season. With a poor output (12 goals, 6 assists) and off-the-field problems, the Senegalese international does not seem to have convinced Bayern's directors. He could look elsewhere this summer. His name is constantly being bandied about by Manchester United and Newcastle, but he also remains a target for the Saudi Pro League. According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Saudi clubs are strongly considering him. No concrete offer has yet been made and no club has been revealed. The 2021 African champion has reaffirmed his desire to stay at Bayern.
News #Mané: He‘s a transfer target for 🇸🇦 this summer or next year! He’s on the list.
➡️ But no official offer yet and internally Mané’s management made clear that he wants to stay. However his future at Bayern is still open. @SkySportDE 🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/ZLNWbEZvsH
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 10, 2023
Ryad Mahrez
The Algerian international is coming off a fine season with Manchester City. The Citizens won an historic treble (Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup). While the season was a success collectively, the Algerian had his ups and downs individually. He went from being an undisputed starter to a substitute, with game after game spent on the bench. Pep Guardiola preferred Bernardo Silva. A choice that proved the Spanish coach right. Since then, Mahrez's future at Man City has become less clear. It is highly likely that he will leave the club this summer. The Saudi Pro League appears to be one of the Fennec's potential destinations. According to Footmercato, Al Ahli Jeddah have made him their main target. The Saudi club have just won the 2nd division and would like to strengthen their squad. The Algeria captain could be offered a 3-year contract. There have been no official discussions as yet, but Al Ahli are ready to get down to business.
Wilfried Zaha
Wilfried Zaha has been at Crystal Palace for 8 years and is rumoured to be on his way out. His contract expires this summer. While he is rumoured to be on his way to Paris Saint-Germain, the Côte d'Ivoire international is also being linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia. According to the Evening Standard, three Saudi Pro League clubs are interested in his profile. They are Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, the top three clubs in the Saudi league. Sky Sport News revealed over the past few days that Al Nassr had made an offer that would earn the Ivorian €52 million over 3 years. The player, however, is still focusing on Europe. He would like to play in the Champions League. The name of PSG keeps cropping up.
Kalidou Koulibaly
Like his compatriot and national team team-mate Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly has had a turbulent first season with Chelsea. The Blues finished in 12th place in the table and will not be playing in any European competitions next season. All the more reason for the Senegalese to look elsewhere. The Saudi Pro League is ready to welcome him. According to Sport Zone, he has received an offer from Al-Ittihad, Karim Benzema's new club. At 31, the Senegalese rock could be tempted by the adventure, especially as the club is also targeting Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Wilfried Zaha. Other European clubs are also on the trail. A meeting between Chelsea and Inter Milan is expected to take place in the next few days. Koulibaly's situation is likely to be on the agenda, along with that of André Onana.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Aubameyang is on the list of players set to leave Chelsea this summer. Although he may not be as highly rated as he used to be (valued at €7 million on Tranfermarket), he is still much admired in the Saudi Pro League. According to Sky Sport, 4 Saudi clubs are interested in his profile. They include Al-Ahli, the newly-promoted Al-Shabab, as well as the two big guns, Al Nassr and Al-Ittihad. However, the former Arsenal man has a particular preference: he would like to return to Barcelona. AC Milan, Inter, Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe are also interested in his profile.
Four clubs in Saudi Arabia are making a big push to sign Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. 🔜 pic.twitter.com/NGCtGZV8yg
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 12, 2023
