Five European Stars Considering January Moves to Saudi Arabia
The European transfer market experienced a seismic shift during the summer, driven by impactful moves in the Saudi Pro League.
High-profile players like Sadio Mane, Neymar, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kante made significant moves to Saudi Arabia in the last transfer window. The Asian league’s prominent clubs—Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Nassr—invested substantial sums to attract these star players to the Middle East.
The January transfer window is expected to see a more restrained approach, with clubs unlikely to match the extravagant spending of the past. Many teams have already occupied their limited foreign player slots, set at eight for this term and increasing to ten from the next season onward. Budgets allocated in the summer have also been utilized, making blockbuster deals akin to the €90 million spent on Neymar rare or unlikely.
While the January transfer window may not witness widespread extravagant spending, it doesn’t rule out the possibility of notable Europe-based stars making a move to Saudi Arabia. Several high-profile players are still linked with Saudi clubs, although figures like Mohamed Salah are less likely to relocate. In fact, there are indications that Salah might extend his contract with Liverpool instead.
Five European Stars Considering January Moves to Saudi Arabia
Here are five European stars who could move to Saudi Arabia in January.
Casemiro (Man United)
Casemiro, who joined Manchester United in 2022 for €70 million from Real Madrid, is reportedly discontent with the current situation at Old Trafford. There are indications he might depart in 2024 due to concerns about his performance and ongoing fitness issues this season.
Amidst Manchester United’s challenging campaign, speculation is rife about Casemiro seeking a change. There are suggestions that he might opt for a move to Saudi Arabia, attracted by a potentially lucrative deal and the prospect of reuniting with former teammates like Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Raphael Varane (Man United)
Raphael Varane, another key figure at Manchester United, is also rumored to be considering a move to the Middle East. Like Casemiro, the Frenchman has faced challenges with injuries, fueling speculation about his potential departure from Old Trafford. Talks of the end of his tenure at the club are gaining momentum.
Raphael Varane’s potential move is further fueled by his contract uncertainty, set to expire in the summer. While Manchester United is open to a new contract, talks suggest it would involve a reduced salary. Speculation is growing that Saudi clubs, particularly Al-Nassr or Al-Ittihad, are optimistic about securing Varane’s services in 2024.
David de Gea (free agent)
It’s surprising that David de Gea, a former Manchester United player, remains without a club since leaving in the summer. Despite links with Real Madrid, Inter, Real Betis, and even Newcastle, no concrete move has materialized for the Spanish goalkeeper.
David de Gea, a veteran goalkeeper, has been previously courted by Saudi clubs, and recent reports renew these links to the Middle East. There’s a notable possibility that De Gea could join Al-Nassr in 2024, potentially reuniting with Cristiano Ronaldo, especially considering David Ospina has not played for them in nearly a year.
Thomas Partey (Arsenal)
Thomas Partey’s future has been a topic of intense discussion for months. While Arsenal rejected interest from Juventus and Saudi clubs in the summer, recent indications suggest the Gunners might now consider parting ways with the veteran midfielder. Persistent injury concerns and the realization that Partey is not getting any younger are contributing factors to this potential decision.
While Arsenal might still value Thomas Partey’s quality in the title race, the allure of a substantial offer for the injury-prone Ghanaian, especially if Saudi clubs come knocking again, could be tempting. Additionally, teammate Mohamed Elneny is also reportedly a subject of significant interest for a move to Saudi Arabia.
Matteo Politano (Napoli)
Napoli’s Matteo Politano is now in the mix, potentially joining Yannick Carrasco and Romain Saiss at Al-Shabab in the Pro League. Reports suggest a €12 million offer with a €7 million annual salary has been presented for the 30-year-old winger and are currently under consideration by both the player and his club.
Alexis Sanchez, a notable figure in Serie A, is reportedly attracting interest from Saudi clubs. Despite receiving offers, the former Arsenal and Manchester United forward, currently with Inter, expresses a desire to fulfill his contract with Inter, which is set to expire in the summer.
