The Saudi Pro League came into the limelight when Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassar after leaving Manchester United. The reported salaries of these players are astronomical when compared to what they were earning in Europe. With such humongous numbers floating around, is it going to be a promised land for the big players? The treble winner Bernardo Silva has been linked with a move away from Manchester for the last couple of years.
Since the start of the transfer window, the Portuguese star has been heavily linked to the Saudi Arabian clubs. After the rumours surfaced, Jamie Carragher expressed his concerns regarding the same. Does Saudi Arabia pose a threat to European football?
Bernardo Silva transfer rumours
Raising concerns over players joining the Saudi Pro League in their prime, Jamie Carragher has urged the Premier League and UEFA to investigate this matter. Talking about the same, the Liverpool legend tweeted “I wasn’t worried about the Saudi League taking players in their 30s, a touch worried with players below the elite (Neves) but if this happens it feels like a game changer.”
Bernardo Silva is in his peak years & has been one of the best players in Europe for the last five years!
I wasn’t worried about the Saudi League taking players in their 30’s, a touch worried with players below the elite (Neves) but if this happens it feels like a game changer… https://t.co/hcDUbkGp30
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) June 21, 2023
The left-footed Portuguese midfielder has expressed his interest to find a new challenge after winning everything with Manchester City. With the negotiations for a new contract stalled with Man City, several clubs have put forth their desire to sign Manchester City’s number 20.
This summer Saudi Arabia has been the destination for quite a few Premier League players, is there a possibility we could see Bernardo Silva reunite with his national team captain? Well, many reports suggest that it is unlikely that Bernardo Silva will join any Saudi club.
Understand Paris Saint-Germain are still planning to insist on Bernardo Silva as top summer target — valid also with Luis Enrique as new coach. 🚨🔴🔵 #PSG
All parties feel Bernardo won’t join any Saudi club now. PSG will push again — but Man City won’t make any discount. pic.twitter.com/vByR92VtcP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 19, 2023
Top 3 players who moved to Saudi Pro League
Under the frenzy of transfers, several players have decided to make their journey to the Gulf nation. The list of players joining the Saudi Pro League is increasing with every passing day, as the rumours are heating up. Let’s look at some of the prominent names who will be playing on Arabian soil starting next season.
#1 Karim Benzema
The Ballon d’Or winner has completed his move to a Saudi club Al-Ittihad. The former Real Madrid number 9 spent the last 14 years at the Bernabeu scoring 238 goals in 430 appearances. It will be interesting to see who will win the Golden Boot in the Saudi Pro League next season, Benzema or Ronaldo.
#2 N’ Golo Kante
The French defensive midfielder is set to join his national teammate Karim Benzema in Al-Ittihad. Last Season Kante managed to play only 9 times for Chelsea, scoring and assisting once. After an injury-ridden season, N’Golo Kante is looking to rejuvenate his career in the deserts of Saudi Arabia.
#3 Ruben Neves
Despite it not being official yet, reports suggest that the 26-year-old Portuguese midfielder is set to join Al-Hilal. The former Wolves midfielder will be lining up for the Saudi club after the clubs agreed on a $60 million deal.
With some of the prominent European names joining the Saudi Pro League, it’s just going to be a tad spicy in the league table. Well, with already several players moving to Saudi Arabia, it is yet to be seen how many more follow in these footsteps.
