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The transfer window has become almost as thrilling as actual football matches these days, igniting the passion and expectation levels of football fans across the globe.   

It brings the promise of new signings that can dramatically change the fortunes of a team and sometimes alter the landscape of an entire league. Bettors are not left out of the transfer window excitement; you can enjoy the best odds and predict where certain players will end up.  

In the past 12 months, the Saudi Pro League has garnered attention for its ambitious strides in the transfer market, successfully attracting the world’s biggest names, sparing no cost.  This is not the first time the football world has witnessed an ambitious project, often with a political agenda that promises to elevate their leagues to global prominence.   

**Comparison with other similar projects**

For decades, the MLS has attracted famous players who were past their prime to raise the level of football in the United States and boost the sport’s profile.  

The Chinese Super League also experienced a “gold rush” with high-profile transfers but failed to achieve the anticipated growth and sustainability due to the complexities of the Chinese political system, leading to its eventual decline.  

In 2010, Anzhi Makhachkala was acquired by Russian billionaire Suleyman Kerimov in a bid to turn the small-town club into one of Europe’s elite. Players like Samuel Eto’o, Roberto Carlos, and a young Willian were signed to kickstart the project but within five years, Kerimov had pulled funding, leading to a fire sale of all the key players, and by 2022, the club was dissolved.   

In contrast, the Saudi Pro League project under the Saudi Public Investment Fund aims to leverage petro-dollar resources to build a competitive and sustainable league. In other words, there is no danger of there being a lack of funds or financial issues arising.  

Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival after the 2022 World Cup contributed greatly to the appeal of the league. It also helps that very few footballers can turn down the obscene amounts of money on offer.  

As the 2024 summer transfer window approaches, we expect the Saudi Pro League to be aggressive in pursuing some of Europe’s biggest names. 

**Here are some of those players:**

**10. Romelu Lukaku (Striker – AS Roma, on loan from Chelsea)**

After scoring 64 goals in 95 appearances under Antonio Conte at Inter Milan, a move to Chelsea in the summer of 2021 quickly proved to be the wrong choice for Lukaku’s career. He was thriving in Italy, in a 3-5-2 counter-attacking system, with Lautaro Martinez as his strike partner. At Inter, several of his goals involved latching on to through-balls, sprinting into space, or linking up with his strike partner before scoring.   

At Chelsea, however, he was tasked with leading the line, battling for crosses, and coming deep to link up play, while being expected to deliver the same numbers. It became obvious very quickly that he would never be suited to Thomas Tuchel’s style, and after giving an ill-fated interview to the Italian media, he was quickly sidelined by the German.  

Under the right conditions, Lukaku is a formidable player, but he has now become a burden Chelsea are desperate to get rid of.  One positive is that the Belgian has rediscovered his scoring boots at Roma, where he has 18 goals in 39 appearances.   

However, the Italian giants are unlikely to make his move permanent due to the kind of fee (a rumored €43m) Chelsea will expect.  Given Roma’s well-documented financial difficulties, Lukaku’s age, hefty wages, and the return of Tammy Abraham after nearly 10 months out with injury means that a permanent move for the Belgian forward is very unlikely. 

Lukaku reportedly rejected a move to Al Hilal last summer, but a move to the Middle East now appears a matter of when, not if. Can Lukaku lead Roma to a top-four finish in Serie A before he departs?  

Take advantage of our football prediction by backing any Saudi Pro League club to acquire Big Rom in the transfer window. 

● Bet on Romelu Lukaku to move to the SPL in the offseason 

**9. Luka Modric (Midfielder – Real Madrid)**

Modric is expected to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season, following a remarkable decade-long tenure at the Bernabeu. His graceful ball control, tireless work ethic, wealth of experience AND status as a Ballon d’Or winner make the 39-year-old an excellent choice for Saudi clubs aiming to strengthen their midfield.  

His agent already opened the door to a Saudi move last year, suggesting that a suitable offer would be considered should it arrive. The former Ballon d’Or winner will undoubtedly depart Santiago Bernabeu as a legend, having won everything at club level, leaving behind a rock-solid legacy. 

Do you see the Croatian maestro in the SPL next season? Enjoy our expert betting tips and back Modric to any Saudi Pro League club this summer. 

● Bet on Luka Modric to move to the SPL this summer 

**8. Anthony Martial (Striker – Manchester United)**

Martial’s time at Manchester United will surely come to an end this summer. While there have been flashes of brilliance, injuries and inconsistent performances have marred his time at Old Trafford.  

He was signed by Louis van Gaal in 2015 for an initial £36m, rising to £58m upon activation of certain clauses. One of those clauses was to be activated if he won a Ballon d’Or. And yes, he was seen as a future world beater back then.  

Well, we know how that turned out and at this point, what most United fans feel for him is…nothing, really. 

This is despite (or because of) a record of 90 goals in 317 games, including an endless list of below-par performances and injury niggles.  

This season, he managed only two goals in 19 games before succumbing to another long-term injury. At 28, a move to a less demanding league might reignite the talent he demonstrated as a wide-eyed teen at Monaco, and in his first two seasons in England.  

Considering his contract expires in June, a move to Saudi Arabia could offer a new chapter for the Frenchman, potentially revitalizing his career.  

● Bet on Anthony Martial to leave the EPL for the SPL this summer 

**7. Thiago Silva (Defender – Chelsea)**

It’s amazing how Thiago Silva has stayed relevant in the game for so long. The 39-year-old has had a stellar career, playing and winning trophies at the highest level.  

However, father time can only be held off for son long and it’s time to say goodbye to European football. His performances at Chelsea this season have been underwhelming, compounded by the injuries he’s endured, and it seems logical for both parties to part ways this summer.  

According to reports, several Saudi Arabian clubs have contacted the Blues defender about a move to the Middle East, and one last big payday could be the most sensible option for the AC Milan, PSG and Brazil legend. 

● Bet on Thiago Silva to move to the SPL this summer 

**6. Casemiro (Midfielder – Manchester United)**

Casemiro arrived from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022 and made an immediate impact, plugging the gaps in Erik ten Hag’s midfield and playing a pivotal role as the Red Devils went to two domestic finals and a third-place finish in the league.  

While the Brazilian’s tenacity and defensive prowess still make him a formidable presence in midfield, his drop off in form over the past 12 months has been alarming. At 32, and with injuries creeping in, United are reportedly willing to let him leave the club this summer.  

 A switch to Saudi Arabia makes the most sense for all the parties involved in this one, especially with new co-owners INEOS reportedly targeting younger signings.   

Casemiro has constantly been linked with a move to join former teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr, and that could be the best move for everyone.  

● Bet on Casemiro making the switch to the Saudi League this summer 

**5. Thomas Partey (Midfielder – Arsenal)**

Partey was injured in October and remained sidelined until last month after undergoing thigh surgery and even missed AFCON 2023. And while he has returned in time for the title run-in, Mikel Arteta doesn’t seem to trust him to play for sustained periods. 

Following the signing of Declan Rice last summer, Arsenal will aim to bolster their midfield this offseason, with links to players like Martin Zubimendi and Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz already making the rounds. 

The obvious casualty of these links it Thomas Party, who, despite his obvious talent, cannot stay fit. Already, there have been strong links to Saudi side Al Ahli, who will have little problem paying what Arsenal demand and can also improve on the Ghanaian midfielder’s wage packet.  

● Bet on Thomas Partey to move to any SPL club this summer 

**4. Thiago Alcantara (Midfielder – Liverpool)**

If you love football, you’ve certainly enjoyed watching Thiago play over the years. The gifted supremely gifted and metronomic Spaniard has barely featured for Liverpool this season, and his contract is up in the summer.   

Persistent injury issues mean an extension is highly unlikely, and even though he is arguably the most talented member of Liverpool’s first-team squad, his inability to remain fit means that he’s unlikely to be trusted by any of Europe’s top clubs.  

At 33, the Saudi Pro League might present the best opportunity for the former Barcelona man to earn one last payday.  

● Bet on the former Barcelona and Bayern midfielder to head to the Saudi League this summer 

**3. Raphael Varane (Defender – Manchester United)**

Varane is not finished, and he has shown, albeit inconsistently, that he is still capable of performing at the highest level. However, when viewed as a whole, his time at Old Trafford has been underwhelming.  

 Injuries have plagued his time in England, and with his contract up in the summer, it might be time to leave Old Trafford. The Frenchman has reportedly been subject to lucrative offers from Saudi sides, Al Nassr and Al Ittihad, so finding another club to play for shouldn’t be a problem.  

● Bet on “Champions League Varane” to leave Europe for the SPL this offseason 

**2. Kevin De Bruyne (Midfielder – Manchester City)**

According to the Athletic, De Bruyne was approached about a move to Saudi Arabia last summer. For a player of his quality, the salary offered (€70million annually) was as tempting as expected. However, the Belgian rejected the offer.   

With his contract expiring in the summer of 2025 and talks over a new deal yet to begin, Saudi’s biggest clubs will certainly try again.   

The Manchester City star is 33 in June, and there may be a situation soon when the Cityzens consider a bid of around €60million+ to be good enough to let the Belgian playmaker leave.  

● Bet on Kevin de Bruyne to depart the wealth of Manchester City to the bigger wealth of the SPL this summer 

**1. Mohamed Salah (Forward – Liverpool)**

Jurgen Klopp’s impending departure from Liverpool has cast doubt over the future of the club’s key players, especially Egyptian goal-machine Mohamed Salah. His contract with Liverpool runs until 2025, similar to De Bruyne’s. And while the club and fans will hate to lose their star player, he will enter the final year of his contract next season, and at 32, is unlikely to extend.  

Considering his age and the potential changes at Anfield, parting ways with the Egyptian for a huge fee may be in everyone’s best interest. Last summer, Al Ittihad made a mouthwatering bid of £150 million, and it’s hard to see Liverpool turning a similar offer down again.  

Please note that we aren’t suggesting that the Egyptian would be better off moving to the Middle East. Salah is still one of Europe’s best players and even in this injury-disrupted season, he has still contributed 24 goals and 13 assists in 39 appearances.   

He has all the tools to continue at the top level, at Liverpool or perhaps PSG, a club that has registered an interest in the past.  Should he move to Saudi though, it would have to be for an outrageous financial package. A weekly wage rivalling Ronaldo at A l Nassr, and being the biggest Arab player on the planet, his transfer could shake up the footballing landscape even further.  

● Bet on an SPL club to make a statement by signing Mo Salah 

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With another transfer window looming, several players are on the radar of SPL sides. Find out which of them can get you the best value.

News

Transfer Window: 10 Top Targets for The Saudi Pro League This Summer