The Saudi Pro League has significantly impacted the summer transfer market, and it continues to have an extended window of opportunity compared to most European leagues. Given the notable talent that has already joined, it would be surprising if there weren’t a few more headline-grabbing transfers in the works.
Let’s examine the players who might still be enticed to make a move before the upcoming Thursday deadline.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
The Mohamed Salah to Al-Ittihad saga is a storyline that Jurgen Klopp dismisses but refuses to fade away.
The Saudi club entered the race for the Egyptian star’s signature relatively late, submitting a bid reportedly valued at £150 million during the closing hours of the European transfer window.
Liverpool might have entertained the idea of a sale earlier in the summer, but it appears they will now have to contend with another offer this week, along with potential renewed interest in the months ahead.
Nayef Aguerd (West Ham)
Aguerd, another notable football talent from the Arab world, may find himself lured to the Saudi Pro League this week.
The Moroccan defender played a pivotal role in West Ham’s triumph in the Europa League last season, but it’s been reported that his salary could increase tenfold if he decides to make the move.
While West Ham is likely reluctant to part ways with him, they have at least secured the signing of Konstantinos Mavropanos to provide cover in his absence.
Demarai Gray (Everton)
Demarai Gray has been outspoken this week, taking to Instagram to express his frustration, stating,”it’s so difficult to play for someone who doesn’t show you respect as a person”.
The strained relationship between Gray and Everton manager Sean Dyche appears to be linked, in part, to Everton’s hesitation to transfer the winger to Al-Ettifaq, a club managed by Steven Gerrard.
Considering the apparent irreparable relationship between the former Leicester talent and Dyche, it might be in the best interests of all parties involved to finalise the deal.
Jadon Sancho (Manchester United)
Jadon Sancho’s public dispute with Erik ten Hag appears to have spelled the end of his Manchester United tenure under the Dutch manager.
Given the limited options for an immediate exit from Old Trafford, Sancho might contemplate a move to the Saudi Pro League.
At 23 years old, the forward is still at an age where a return to European football in the future remains a possibility, making such a transfer a plausible prospect.
Paul Pogba (Juventus)
Despite featuring in two of Juventus’ three Serie A matches so far this season, rumours linking Pogba with a move to the Middle East persist.
The French midfielder has suffered from injuries since returning to Juve last summer, making 10 appearances in all competitions in 2022-23, and there are legitimate fears that his career at the top level is over.
He is reportedly of interest to Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad and would be the latest big name to be attracted to the region.