The Saudi Pro League is gearing up for an ambitious summer transfer window, with officials identifying two of Europe's biggest stars as their primary targets: Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior. The Middle Eastern league is preparing what sources describe as a major recruitment push that could reshape the competition's roster.
According to reports from multiple outlets, Saudi clubs have already begun preliminary discussions about landing these marquee signings. The move represents the latest chapter in the Saudi Pro League's strategy to attract top talent since the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo in early 2023.
Background
The Saudi Pro League's ambitions have grown considerably over the past three years. What began as a shock signing with Ronaldo's transfer has evolved into a systematic recruitment strategy aimed at establishing the league as a genuine competitor to Europe's top competitions.
Mohamed Salah has been on Saudi clubs' radar for some time. Interest from Saudi Arabia in the Egyptian forward is not new, with Al-Ittihad making a reported £150 million offer back in 2023. Over the past two years, various reports have indicated that Salah listened to proposals from Saudi clubs before ultimately committing to Liverpool. However, the interest has never fully disappeared.
Vinícius Júnior's case is different. ESPN first reported in August 2024 that Saudi representatives approached the Real Madrid winger, and his camp considered the proposal rather than immediately rejecting it. The figures discussed were substantial, with reports suggesting annual salaries of up to €350 million. Real Madrid, however, was not interested in selling the player after his important role in their 2024 Champions League victory.
"The technical contribution and the global visibility that Mohamed Salah can bring to the Saudi Pro League is unbelievable. But today we are in a more mature phase, and this is not about football players going to Saudi Arabia for money and then leaving. This is about careers evolving and Saudi football becoming one of the legitimate stages of that evolution." – Francesca Petriccione, legal and strategic adviser to European football clubs
Key Details
The timing of this recruitment push is significant. Saudi clubs have already tested the waters in January, making initial inquiries about whether a deal for Salah might be possible before the current transfer window closes on February 2. Liverpool has given no indication they are willing to negotiate.
However, Saudi officials believe the real opportunity will emerge later in the year. Several high-profile players currently in the Saudi Pro League will see their contracts expire in 2026, including former Liverpool players Sadio Mané and Fabinho, as well as N'Golo Kanté and Karim Benzema. This expiration of existing contracts will free up substantial budget and squad space for another wave of recruitment.
Beyond Salah and Vinícius, the Saudi Pro League has compiled a broader target list. Reports indicate Saudi clubs are planning to bring in 50 "peak-age foreign players" across the summer window. Other names mentioned include Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski and Manchester United midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.
Salah's Uncertain Future
Salah, who will turn 33 this year, is understood to be weighing up his long-term future. Sources suggest he is considering whether this season should be his last at the pinnacle of European football. This uncertainty has made him a more realistic target for Saudi clubs than in previous years.
The Liverpool forward made headlines in December with comments that fueled speculation about his future at Anfield. Following those remarks, Saudi clubs made initial inquiries, but Al Hilal, NEOM FC, and Al Qadsiah were all told he will not leave Liverpool during the current January window.
Vinícius's Preference
The situation with Vinícius appears more straightforward. According to ESPN's reporting, Saudi interest remained active through January 2025, with a representative from the Saudi Public Investment Fund contacting the player's camp. However, by April 2025, those early contacts had not been followed up. The Saudi official leading those negotiations, Saad Al Lazeez, was no longer with the Saudi Pro League. Meanwhile, Real Madrid initiated contract renewal talks with Vinícius.
Sources told ESPN that the Saudi option was not Vinícius's preference, given sporting considerations, and that a move to the Saudi Pro League had become increasingly unlikely.
What This Means
The Saudi Pro League's ambitions reveal how the league continues to evolve beyond its early days of shock signings and massive paydays. The strategy now involves building a competitive roster while leveraging the commercial appeal of global superstars.
For Liverpool and Real Madrid, the challenge is clear. Both clubs will need to manage contract negotiations and player retention while dealing with unprecedented financial offers from Saudi Arabia. Salah's situation is particularly complex given his age and the genuine uncertainty surrounding his future plans.
The broader implications suggest that the Saudi Pro League is becoming more strategic in its approach. Rather than simply throwing enormous sums at individual players, the league is now planning multi-year recruitment cycles coordinated with contract expirations and squad planning. This represents a shift from the initial chaotic recruitment phase toward a more structured model.
For European clubs, this creates a new reality: Saudi Arabia is no longer just a destination for aging players or those seeking final lucrative contracts. It is becoming a genuine career option for players in their prime years, forcing European clubs to reconsider their competitive advantages in retaining top talent.
