2026-01-23 11:45:11

Saudi Pro League dealmakers are reportedly lining up Mohamed Salah and other Premier League star as part of a wide-ranging plan to target around 50 elite players after the 2026 World Cup.

According to talkSPORT, the Liverpool forward is one of several high-profile Premier League names under consideration as Saudi clubs prepare for a new recruitment push designed to refresh squads, protect global interest and shift spending towards peak-age stars.

Salah supposedly remains central to Liverpool’s plans under head coach Arne Slot, with the club insisting they want the Egypt international winger to see out his contract until summer 2027.

However, the outlet claims Saudi Arabia believe a move in 2026 could suit all parties, particularly if Liverpool recruit a long-term successor on the right flank.

Saudi Pro League sporting director Michael Emenalo is understood to have a long-standing relationship with Salah, while Al Hilal, NEOM FC and Al Qadsiah have all been made aware of his situation.

Al Ittihad – who saw a £150 million bid rejected in 2023 – are also expected to monitor developments closely.

Elsewhere, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is reportedly another key target.

The Portugal midfielder has been the subject of repeated interest from Saudi clubs, including Al Ittihad, Al Hilal and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, and has a €60 million release clause that applies to non-Premier League sides.

Fernandes previously said he felt “hurt” because his feeling was that the club wanted to sell him.

Despite United sources insisting Fernandes remains part of their long-term plans, Saudi recruiters have reportedly not abandoned hope and are expected to revisit talks after the World Cup.

Casemiro is also said to be firmly on the radar after confirming he will leave Manchester United at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old Brazilian midfielder has reportedly attracted interest from Al Qadsiah and Al Ittihad, though his age and wage demands are said to remain a factor.

Saudi officials are now supposedly being encouraged to focus central funding – reported to be up to €2 billion per season – on younger players, with marquee veterans pursued only if they bring clear commercial value.

That supposed strategy explains the continued interest in Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli, Aston Villa midfielders Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana, and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior.

Vinicius reportedly remains Real’s priority for a contract extension, but conversations between his representatives and Saudi officials are said to have been ongoing for more than a year.

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is allegedly another name being tracked, with Saudi and MLS options available should he leave Camp Nou this summer.

With Cristiano Ronaldo expected to leave Al Nassr in 2027, Saudi powerbrokers reportedly see the post-World Cup window as a defining moment.

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