Saudi Arabia 'draw up transfer plans for Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne'

By Ben Sully | 26 May 2024

Saudi Arabia 'draw up transfer plans for Salah, De Bruyne'

The Saudi Pro League reportedly draw up plans for the potential signings of Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne.

Saudi Arabia have reportedly drawn up a plan to sign Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne in 2025.

The Saudi Pro League are keen to recruit high-profile players to strengthen their league ahead of hosting the 2034 World Cup.

Last summer, Saudi Arabia splashed out to make several signings from the Premier League, including Riyad Mahrez, Fabinho, N'Golo Kante, Aymeric Laporte, Ruben Neves and Aleksandr Mitrovic.

The division also boasts standout names like former Real Madrid stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema as well as Brazilian forward Neymar.

With Saudi Arabia keen to make further additions, they are already being linked with more major names ahead of the summer transfer window.

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne celebrates after the match on April 28, 2024 © Reuters

Saudi Arabia targeting Salah, De Bruyne moves

Salah is among those believed to be attracting interest after the Egyptian was the subject of a failed £150m bid last summer.

The Saudi Pro League has also identified De Bruyne as someone who could boost the profile of their domestic league.

However, according to The Telegraph, Saudi Arabian clubs are preparing to wait another year before launching a bid to sign the two Premier League stars.

The report claims that the Saudi Pro League will look to sign Salah and De Bruyne on free transfers when their respective contracts expire in 2025.

As it stands, the pair can both start talking to foreign clubs about a pre-contract agreement at the start of next year.

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah reacts on March 14, 2024 © Reuters

Salah, De Bruyne facing uncertain futures

Salah has enjoyed considerable success during his seven-year stay at Anfield, registering 211 goals and 89 assists in 349 competitive appearances.

The Egypt international has helped the Reds win seven pieces of silverware, including the 2019-20 Premier League title and the 2018-19 Champions League.

However, with Salah set to enter the final 12 months of his contract, there is uncertainty surrounding his long-term future with the Merseyside club.

The 31-year-old has hinted that he will stay at Anfield for the 2024-25 campaign, but it remains to be seen whether he will sign a new deal.

Like Salah, De Bruyne has just one year remaining on his contract, raising speculation about a possible departure next summer.

The Belgium international could still sign an extension with the Citizens, having shown no indication that he is in a hurry to leave the Etihad Stadium.

De Bruyne registered four goals and 10 assists in 18 top-flight appearances in the 2023-24 season, helping Man City claim a record fourth consecutive Premier League title.