The Saudi Arabians want to make their football league a force to reckon with. The ongoing revolution in the Middle Eastern country is set to attract top veterans from Europe.
Cristiano Ronaldo was the biggest star to move to the Arab country when he made a blockbuster move to Al-Nassr in January, signing a two-and-half-year contract worth £173 million per season.
More top European stars in their 30s are being targeted for lucrative moves to the league, which is ranked 27th in the world by FIFA.
Sports Brief looks at seven players who could potentially receive offers from Saudi Arabia.
1. Lionel Messi
The Argentine’s contract at Paris Saint-Germain will expire in the summer and he is set to leave, with offers from Saudi Arabia and his former club, Barcelona said to be on the table.
According to French outlet, L’Equipe, Al-Hilal are offering Messi an astonishing £434 mil salary per season to join them when his PSG contract expires.
2. Hugo Lloris
The Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper has played his last game for the club after he suffered an injury ruling him out for the rest of the season. His contract expires in the summer, and he will be a free agent.
According to The Times, an unnamed Saudi club is willing to offer the 36-year-old £300,000 per week to spend the final days of his career in the Middle East.
3. Sergio Busquets
The Barcelona legend has announced he will be leaving Camp Nou at the end of the season, after 17 trophy-laden years in blue and red.
According to Mundo Deportivo, he has an offer from Saudi Arabia worth £15.7 mil per season (£300,000 per week).
4. Jordi Alba
The Spanish left-back could also leave Barcelona at the end of the season, even though he has a year left on his current contract. Al-Hilal reportedly want a reunion between him, Messi, and Busquets, but it is unclear how much they are offering him.
5. N’golo Kante
The French international will be a free agent at the end of the season if he does not renew his current Chelsea contract, which is worth £290,000 per week. Foot Mercato reports that Al-Nassr are interested in poaching the 31-year-old.
6. Roberto Firmino
The Brazilian is confirmed to be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season after eight years. According to ESPN, he is one of the free agents across Europe eyed by Saudi clubs.