Lionel Messi’s Former Teammate Eyes ‘Attractive’ Saudi League Project, Opening Doors to Potential Move

The Saudi Pro League is not creating much noise in the soccer world. Nonetheless, the summer transfer window is expected to be a blockbuster once again with many top players being eyed by the clubs in Saudi Arabia. With players like Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne already in the spotlight, another experienced star and former teammate of Lionel Messi, Claudio Bravo wants to play in the Middle Eastern nation.

Most of the players in Europe find offers coming in from the Saudi League as an attractive prospect. Likewise, the Real Betis goalkeeper, feeling that the Saudi project is good for soccer, stated in a recent interview, “Why not? The project they are working on and creating seems attractive and ambitious to me.” But it would be interesting to see which clubs could pitch in for the 40-year-old star.

Bravo’s experience could prove handy for clubs in the Saudi Pro League. Having played for top clubs like FC Barcelona and Manchester City, the South American has more than 450 club apperances and 164 clean sheets behind him. In addition, Bravo has won multiple titles including a UEFA Champions League, a Club World Cup, three La Liga playing alongside Lionel Messi at FC Barcelona, and two Premier League titles at Manchester City.

Nevertheless, Bravo wishes to head to the Middle East rather than the US where Lionel Messi plays. He further stated, “Saudi Arabia has been able to bring great personalities and players, especially after Cristiano Ronaldo decided to go to the Saudi league.” The Saudi league has been a clear winner in terms of attracting more players from Europe than the MLS and Bravo doesn’t want to miss the revolution. However, the player will have to face immense scrutiny after injuries emerge as a new concern.

Claudio Bravo’s injury issues runs parallel with Messi’s

Bravo has not been a regular starter this year for Betis. The player suffered a left hamstring injury last November keeping him away for months. Injuries have become a concern for players especially those who are in the final stages of their careers. Lionel Messi’s constant injuries lately have caused a few blows to Inter Miami. The club lost a chance to qualify for the playoffs last year and has been suffering with results this year in the absence of the Argentine.

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Moreover, the clubs in Saudi League could consider injuries and age as the main criterion when they go into the market next year. One of the Saudi clubs Al Hilal saw a major setback after losing an injury-prone Neymar to an ACL for almost an entire season. And even a fit player like Cristiano Ronaldo suffered an injury scare earlier this year, Will Claudio Bravo find a club easily in Saudi Arabia? Let us know in the comments.

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