From Kevin De Bruyne to Romelu Lukaku: Saudi Arabia’s Recent Pursuit of Top European Superstars Before Summer Transfer Window

Déjà vu, it seems! Last year’s January transfer window did not see huge activity from the Saudi league except for the sole major signing of Cristiano Ronaldo. But in 2023’s summer window, the Saudi soccer project’s deep pockets initiated an exodus of European heavyweights to the Middle East. History will repeat, as various Saudi clubs now line up for a plethora of purchases in the summer after an inactive January transfer window. As per reports, they have serial European title winners such as Kevin De Bruyne on their radar. Currently, if the Saudi league team’s attempts succeed, the Italian clubs will be the most affected with Romelu Lukaku also in the mix.

Kevin De Bruyne

As per Simon Pajkowski, Saudi clubs are interested in opening contract talks with Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian is entering the final 12 months of his Manchester City contract and is yet to open talks about an extension. Should KDB not extend his contract, this could be the best time for City to sell the veteran. Though KDB is still vital to the English side, injuries have marred his stint this season.

Besides, players such as Phil Foden have stepped up to compensate for his absence. So it won’t be a surprise if City offloads the iconic midfielder.

Romelu Lukaku

The Belgian is currently serving Italy’s AS Roma on loan from Chelsea. Nobody’s sure whether Roma will make his move permanent. Meanwhile, the Blues also seem reluctant to meet the striker’s demands. At this juncture, as per reports from Italy, Lukaku is growing increasingly tempted by a Saudi move. Reportedly, he would wish to explore if any Saudi club could facilitate him with a permanent move.

Rodrigo De Paul

As per La Gazzetta Dello Sport, R De Paul could leave Atletico Madrid and join Saudi Arabia’s PIF-backed club Al Ahli this summer. Anyhow, it is quite dubious if the Argentine will make the move, considering his contract with A Madrid will expire only in 2026. Even so, it is not beyond him to leave the Spanish side, considering injuries have marred his stint there and fans have been upset about his consistency.

READ MORE: Rejecting Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, Kevin De Bruyne Opens Possibility of Retiring in the MLS

Ciro Immobile

Saudi clubs approached Immobile in last year’s summer window, but he rejected those advances. However, the latest reports indicate that the Lazio striker might reconsider taking the Arab route. Besides, the Italian is also reportedly growing unhappy with his Lazio stint. It is because he has been struggling to make a mark this season. Furthermore, the club’s President did not publicly back him after he was verbally and physically targeted outside his son’s school last week.

Nahitan Nandez

La Gazzetta Dello Sport has also reported that Saudi league sides are eyeing to entice Nandez from Cagliari. Notably, the versatile Uruguayan midfielder’s contract with Cagliari expires this summer.

Who do you think among these players would catch a flight to Saudi Arabia this summer? Tell us in the comments.

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