With a planned league-wide spend of approximately £2bn for the upcoming summer, including transfer fees, wages, and agent costs, Saudi clubs aim to surpass last summer's £750m spending on transfers.
High-profile targets include Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City and Mohamed Salah from Liverpool. Both Riyadh-based clubs, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, have expressed interest in De Bruyne, although Pep Guardiola desires an extension. Al-Ittihad attempted a £150m bid for Salah last summer, and Al-Hilal may pursue him this summer if available.
Several Saudi clubs actively pursue Liverpool's Thiago Alcantara and plan to approach Tottenham captain Son Heung-min, who is a tough target. Napoli's Victor Osimhen, despite rejecting Saudi proposals last summer, remains of interest, especially for Al-Ahli.
Non-PIF controlled clubs eye Leicester City's Wilfried Ndidi, and rule changes for 2024/25 allowing 10 foreign players, with two born in 2003 or after, will lead to a focus on younger signings. Loans are not ruled out, fostering connections with European clubs.
Lorient's Eli Junior Kroupi, Dortmund's Almugera Kabar, Sampdoria's Facundo Gonzalez, and Liverpool's Ben Doak are all considered, reflecting Saudi's commitment to developing young talents in the growing football infrastructure.