The Saudi Arabian government is determined to establish itself as a footballing powerhouse and is planning to recruit more high-profile players in the near future. Despite a turbulent few months off the pitch and a disappointing performance at the team level, Cristiano Ronaldo‘s arrival at Al-Nassr has given a significant boost to Saudi football, generating heightened interest in the national football scene.
The Saudi Arabian government is keen to turn their country into a footballing powerhouse, and to do that more megastars are set be recruited in the near future.
In response, Al-Hilal, the record Asian Champions League winners, are reportedly in talks to secure a deal that would bring Lionel Messi to the Saudi capital, although initially, the Argentinian star expressed his desire to stay in Europe and return to Barcelona. However, with the Blaugrana potentially unable to afford Messi’s services, Al-Hilal’s offer of €400 million per year may become more attractive.
Furthermore, Messi has already been appointed as a tourist ambassador for Saudi Arabia, and some reports suggest that discussions of a possible move took place during his recent unauthorized trip to Riyadh. While Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr are the most popular teams in the country, the Saudi government is looking to attract more star power to the league.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric
Modric and Bnzema
According to Footmercato, Al-Ahli and league leaders Al-Ittihad are seeking to make similar transfer coups to Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, who recently acquired Cristiano Ronaldo and are in talks to bring Lionel Messi to the Saudi capital.
Al-Ahli has reportedly set their sights on Luka Modric as a potential target. While the 37-year-old midfielder would prefer to stay at Real Madrid for at least another season, a lucrative offer from Al-Ahli may tempt him in the future.
Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad is said to be pursuing Modric’s Real Madrid teammate, Karim Benzema. The Saudi club has already made an offer to the striker, which he declined as he prefers to stay in Spain for the time being. However, the ambitions of Saudi Arabian football are clear, and they are determined to attract top talent to their league.