Kevin De Bruyne and Vinicius Jr lead Saudi Pro League’s star-studded six-man transfer wishlist
03/25/2025 12:04 PM
Kevin De Bruyne and Vinicius Jr are among SIX marquee signings being plotted by the Saudi Pro League this summer, talkSPORT understands.
According to sources, the up-and-coming league are intent on making some statement signings to continue their rise in recent years, with Liverpool‘s Darwin Nunez also on their list.
De Bruyne is out of contract in the summer and is yet to hold talks with Manchester City over an extended stay.
It means his trophy-laden decade with the Premier League champions could be coming to an end.
Addressing his future in September, the Belgian midfielder – who has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five EFL Cups and one Champions League crown in ten seasons with City – said: “It’s hard to say now [what my next move will be].
“We will be sitting around the table in the coming months.
“I signed my contract at the right time. If you get a good offer and you tell Pep you want to leave, that is possible. This may be different at other clubs. But I have never indicated that I want to leave.
“I have more than enough money. But if an absurd amount comes… that is also for my family, my relatives, my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren and my friends.”
Vinicius Jr is currently one of Real Madrid‘s top stars and is enjoying a wonderful season.
Having scored 18 goals and provided 11 assists so far this term, the Brazilian is hoping to challenge for this year’s Ballon d’Or prize.
The forward has spoken openly about his desire to stay, telling TNT Sports in February: “I don’t know anything, nobody has talked to me about [a Saudi offer].
“It’s always very exciting to be able to open talks with Real Madrid about my renewal.
I have a contract until 2027, but I’ve always spoken of my desire to be able to play here for a long time, to be able to make history here.”
The Saudi Pro League are also plotting moves for Liverpool frontman Nunez, Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes and West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus.
Nunez has been linked with a move away from Anfield after a frustrating campaign in which he’s scored just seven times for Arne Slot’s side.
Gunners star Gabriel has two years remaining on his deal in north London, leading to admiring glances from Real Madrid and clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile Kudus has endured a frustrating year with the Hammers, scoring three and contributing just two assists all season.
Mohamed Salah is also a target, however it’s understood that he’s now more likely to stay in European football with Liverpool, rather than move to Saudi.
The Reds are keen for him to stay following the news that Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed to join Real Madrid.
Saudi Pro League clubs are no strangers to splashing the cash on big-name new signings.
With Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Sadio Mane and Aymeric Laporte making the move in 2023, stars including Karim Benzema, Ivan Toney and Jhon Duran have since made the move.
While it remains to be seen who will move this summer, it feels that the Saudi project is going nowhere as they look to close the gap on world football’s elite leagues.
