Saudi oil money is taking soccer by storm.
Britain’s The Sun reported on March 23 (KST), “A stunning array of star players will line up in Saudi Arabia next season. The Saudi Professional League (SPL) has started spending heavily to be the best. Cristiano Ronaldo, who left Manchester United to join Al Nasr, was the first. This was followed by Karim Benzema’s arrival at Al Ittihad,” the report said.
The outlet highlighted a best eleven of players linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. It features a number of players who have distinguished themselves in Europe over the years in a 3-4-3 formation.
The front line features Benzema (Al Ittihad), Ronaldo (Al Nasr), and Bernardo Silva (Man City). Silva was a key player in City’s treble last season, but his future has been uncertain of late. He has been linked with a move to a mega-club, but it has been suggested that he could be heading to Saudi Arabia.
메이저놀이터 According to global media outlet ESPN, “Man City midfielder Silva is finalizing a move to the SPL. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Barcelona are among the clubs reportedly interested, but he is expected to head to Saudi Arabia,” suggesting that the 28-year-old, who is entering his prime, could be headed to the Middle East.
The midfield is also stacked. Callum Hudson-Odoi (Chelsea), Nabil Neves (Al Hilal), N’Golo Kante (Al Ittihad), and Hakim Ziyech (Chelsea). Neves has been linked with a move to Barcelona, but today it was announced that he will join Al Hilal. Kante, a longtime world-class midfielder, will reportedly earn €100 million a year after joining Al Ittihad.
Out-of-favor Hudson-Odoi and Ziyech are also targets for the Saudis. “Chelsea duo Odoi and Ziyech have both received Saudi offers,” The Sun reported. In the case of Ziyech, his move to Al Nasr is almost complete,” suggesting that another Big Shining signing is imminent.
On defense, Yerry Mina (FA), Kalidou Koulibaly (Chelsea), and Matt Doherty (FA) made the list. Of the three, Koulibaly was one of Italy’s top center backs at Napoli and joined Chelsea for €38 million last summer, but he is in danger of being released after just one season. For the final goalkeeping spot, Edouard Mendy (Chelsea) has been mentioned.
Meanwhile, South Korea international Son Heung-min has also been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. ‘ESPN’ reported, “The Saudis are interested in a number of English Premier League (EPL) stars. Al Ittihad are ready to sign Son for 60 million euros ($85.8 billion) plus bonuses, and have offered him a four-year contract worth 30 million euros ($42.9 billion) a year.”
However, Son Heung-min himself refuted the report. When asked about transfer speculation after being called up to the South Korean national team under Jürgen Klinsmann, he said, “I have a lot of work to do in the EPL. (Ki) Sung-yong’s older brother once told me, ‘The Korean captain doesn’t go to China. ‘ Money is not important to me now. It’s about pride in soccer and playing in the league I love. I want to play more with my team and in the EPL. I will go back and prepare well,” he said, confirming his stay 메이저놀이터추천.