When we talk about financial muscles of the Saudi Pro League, we're talking about Francis Ngannou levels of muscles. Since Ronaldo's move to the Arabian Gulf, the highest paid players in the Saudi Pro League list has been on the rise.

After Cristiano Ronaldo made the jaw-dropping move to Al-Nassr at the beginning of 2023, the state has pumped money into its top football division in a bid to establish it among the best leagues in the world, attracting stars of varying ages away from Europe's top five and to the Middle East.

From world class talents to players just entering their prime. Everyone wants a piece of that Saudi riches.

Here are the 10 highest paid players in the Saudi Pro League:

10. Ever Banega

Annual salary: £9.1million

35-year-old Banega clinched his third Europa League crown with Sevilla in 2020, before packing his bags and heading off to retire in the Middle East with Al Shabab.

At the time of signing, his £9.1million yearly wage looked astronomical – because it is – but it's since been dwarfed by the influx of new arrivals.

9. Edouard Mendy

Annual salary: £9.4million (plus add-ons)

In the context of the money being thrown about, former Chelsea goalkeeper Mendy is taking in a rather modest wage at Al-Ahli.

A strong first season in London quickly derailed following injuries and a loss of form. Chelsea managed to cash in on the Senegal international after three years for around £17million, with Al-Ahli spending big ahead of just their second season back in the top flight.

8. Jota

Annual salary: £10million

Breaking the hearts of Celtic fans, Portuguese winger Jota signed on the dotted line to sign for champions Al-Ittihad in a £25million deal.

He's now teammates with the likes of Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante, and according to reports, is earning a pretty penny while living out the dream of every footballer.

7. Ruben Neves

Annual salary: £15.6million

Announcing he would be leaving Wolves at the end of the 2022-23 season after years of speculation, many assumed that Neves would find himself a move to a top club outside of the Premier League, or at least a move up the table to a side competing in Europe.

Not afraid to speak up about his ambitions of playing in the Champions League, it was a shock to see Neves seal a deal to sign for Al-Hilal, with the Saudi side paying Wolves £47million to make it happen.

FOX Sports reported that his new salary equates to roughly £300,000 per week.

6. Roberto Firmino

Annual salary: £17million

Speculation was rife regarding Firmino's future after he left Liverpool as a free agent following eight spectacular years at the club.

But while he was undoubtedly still good enough for a top side in Europe, it's Al-Ahli who have won the race for his signature, tying him down to a three-year deal.

The Brazil forward, 31, was a free agent after his Liverpool contract expired at the end of last season.

Firmino scored 111 goals in 362 games for the Reds after joining from Hoffenheim in 2015.

It was announced in March that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season.

5. Marcelo Brozovic

Annual salary: £21million

At first, Brozovic appeared to rebuff the offer of linking up with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, but seemed to be holding out for more money.

A deal was then agreed before Al-Nassr hit the pause button and threatened to pull the plug, unless Inter accepted a lower transfer fee. Santi Aouna reported that a transfer fee of €17.5million was ultimately enough to get the deal done, with the Croatian signing a three-year deal.

Considering Barcelona appeared to be interested in Brozovic, this one was pretty scary.

4. Kalidou Koulibaly

Annual salary: £30million

Just 12 months after completing a £34million move to Chelsea, Koulibaly has already left the club after a disappointing debut season.

It was made even worse knowing Napoli – where he'd spent the previous eight years – lifted the Serie A title having moved him on. The Blues managed to cut their losses on the Senegalese defender by selling him to Al-Hilal for £20million.

3. N'Golo Kante

Annual salary: £86.2million

As if the wages we had already discussed weren't enough.

Chelsea were keen on keeping hold of Kante despite spending most of the 2022-23 season injured, but were resigned to defeat when Al-Ittiihad came knocking with such a monstrous proposal for the French midfield maestro.

The 32-year-old has penned a three-year deal in Jeddah.

2. Karim Benzema

Annual salary: £172million

A wage packet fit for a king – or the current Ballon d'Or holder, in this instance.

Benzema had the option for one more year at Real Madrid that would've taken him through to 2024, but opted against staying in order to sign a three-year deal with the Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad.

Read more: https://sportzpoint.com/football/cristiano-ronaldo-news-ronaldo-joins-saudis-al-nassr-in-record-214m-deal/

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Annual salary: £173million

Benzema runs him incredibly close, and will earn more than his former colleague having penned a year longer contract, but if it wasn't for Ronaldo making the move at the beginning of the year, nobody would be signing these deals to begin with.

The world stood still when the five-time Ballon d'Or winner waved goodbye to United and Europe's top five leagues, to put pen to paper on a two-year deal with Al-Nassr. Since then, just about everyone has heard of the club and more eyes than ever are on the Saudi Pro League.

Since Cristiano Ronaldo's groundbreaking move to Al-Nassr in December 2022, the Saudi Pro League has become an attractive destination for several high-profile European stars. His transfer acted as a channel, inspiring many big names to follow in his footsteps and head to the Middle East.

Top players like Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane have made the switch. While the appeal of a new challenge may have played a minor role in their decisions, the well-paid contracts were undoubtedly the main motivation. Former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves even admitted that in December 2023, though he also acknowledged that the league's ambitious project influenced his choice.

As the biggest star in the Saudi Pro League, Cristiano Ronaldo earns an astronomical weekly age, with his presence drawing global attention to the league's expanding brand. But who else comes close to him in terms of earnings?

20 Highest-Paid Footballers in Saudi Pro League history:

Top 10 Highest-Paid Players in Saudi Pro League: 

1. Cristiano Ronaldo | 3.85 million Euros per Week:

The Pioneer, The game-changer, The highest-paid footballer of all time. Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr in January 2023 was not just a transfer- it was a statement. His arrival ignited a wave of big-name signings in the Saudi Pro League, but none have matched his astonishing earnings.

🚨 OFFICIAL: Cristiano Ronaldo joins Al Nassr, here we go! Contract valid until 2025 🇵🇹🇸🇦 #Ronaldo pic.twitter.com/HB562KnaTf

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 30, 2022

Earning twice as much as the next best-paid player, he remains the undisputed financial King of both the league and the World football. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner did not just adapt, he succeeded, finishing 2023 as the year's top goal scorer across all competitions. At 40, he is not just playing-he is redefining the game on a new level.

 2. Karim Benzema | 1.93 million Euros per week: 

Karim Benzema had the option to stay at Real Madrid for another year, but who can blame him for accepting a three-year deal with champions Al-lttihad, well over 150 million? At 35, an age when many players consider retirement, he chose to take a new challenge while securing an astonishing payday.

Official, confirmed. Karim Benzema joins Al Ittihad on two year deal with option for further season. 🟡⚫️🇸🇦 #AlIttihad

Benzema will earn almost €200m per season net salary, commercial deals included. pic.twitter.com/vSrkL4zjJI

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 6, 2023

However, unlike Cristiano Ronaldo, the Frenchman has struggled to settle in the Saudi Pro League, even earning a harsh new nickname from Al-lttihad fans. Despite this, he has still delivered on the pitch, scoring 13 goals and providing eight assists in just 29 games during his debut season in the Middle East.

3. Riyad Mahrez | 1.03 million Euros per week:

Riyad Mahrez ranks third on this list, but he trails significantly behind the top two in earnings, nearly 50% of what Benzema makes. Even so, his 8.3 million euros salary at Manchester City now seems like pocket change compared to the eye-watering sum he is earning at Al-Ahli.

Riyad Mahrez to Al Ahli, here we go! The documents are being exchanged as Man City and Al Ahli want the deal signed by the end of the week. 🚨🟢🇸🇦 #AlAhli

Mahrez will sign until June 2027 — Man City will receive €35m fee with add ons included.

Medical booked in the next 24h. pic.twitter.com/Vh390HYr6V

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 19, 2023

Now making more than Five times his City wages, the Algerian international continues to showcase the same dazzling skill in Saudi Arabia that Premier League fans enjoyed weekly. With 12 goals and 14 assists at the time of writing, he is proving his worth, even if Al-Ahli fell short of winning Saudi Pro League title in his debut season.

4. Sadio Mane | 769k euros Per Week: 

Sadio Mane's time at Bayern Munich can fairly be described as pathetic. The Senegalese forward, who once tortured Premier League defenses with Liverpool and Southampton, struggled to find favor in Bavaria. His difficult spells even included a physical argument with teammate Leroy Sane. 

Sadio Mané to Al Nassr, here we go! Deal in place between the two clubs, Bayern have accepted the verbal proposal after advanced talks yesterday 🟡🔵🇸🇦

Paperwork to be checked on player side and then medical will be booked, deal will be done.

Fofana, Brozović, Telles… Mané ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/w0eZqFQxgD

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 28, 2023

As a result, securing a move away from the Allianz Arena become Mane's top priority. He ultimately signed for Al-Nassr, joining forces with Cristiano Ronaldo. The 32-year-old penned a deal reportedly with around 34 million euros per year, placing him just ahead of another former Premier League star.

5. Kalidou Koulibaly | 667k euros Per Week:

Chelsea fans were confident they had found the perfect defensive partner for Thiago Silva in Kalidou Koulibaly, even handing him John Terry's iconic number. However, the Senegalese defender endured a challenging spell at Stamford Bridge and was moved on in 2023 for 20 million euros.

The moment Kalidou Koulibaly signed for Al-Hilal 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/IrskVaXxO7

— GOAL (@goal) June 26, 2023

Since joining Al-Hilal, Koulibaly has been a steady presence at the back, leaving his Premier struggles behind to help guide his new team to the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League title. 

Earning around 295,000 euros per week in Chelsea, the 33-year-old nearly doubted his wages with the move. In an interview, he even admitted that the amazing financial offer played a major role in his decision.

"I can’t deny it. With this money, I will be able to help my whole family to live well, from my parents to my cousins"

Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr have acquired the signing of Jhon Duran, the 21-year-old Colombian striker from Aston Villa. 

Duran, who has scored 10 goals for Aston Villa across the Premier League and UCL this season, has signed a gigantic five-year contract with the Cristiano Ronaldo-led club. 

The Colombian youngster is the latest inclusion to follow the footsteps of former Premier League footballers who left the top division of English football to explore new opportunities in Saudi Arabia. 

In this article, Sportz Point assesses every Premier League player who went to play for various Saudi Pro League clubs.

1. N'Golo Kante - Chelsea to Al-Ittihad (2023)

N'Golo Kante is the foremost renowned footballer who left the Premier League to join the Saudi Pro League, bringing a revolution in the business for Saudi Pro League clubs. 

The French World Cup winner and always a fan-favourite, left Chelsea in July 2023 to join Al-Ittihad on a free transfer. Kante received a 3-year contract at the Saudi club, where he reportedly earns a whopping €100 million per year. 

The 33-year-old midfielder is currently playing for Al-Ittihad, and his contract runs until June 2026.

Read Also | N'Golo Kante has left the Premier League : End of an Era

2. Kalidou Koulibaly - Chelsea to Al-Hilal (2023)

In July 2023, Kalidou Koulibaly signed for the current Saudi Champions Al-Hilal for an undisclosed fee, reportedly worth €23 million. The Senegal international spent only one year in Chelsea, where he joined in 2022 from the Italian side Napoli. 

The 33-year-old defender is currently donning the Al-Hilal shirt, where he is on a contract until June 2026.

3. Edouard Mendy - Chelsea to Al-Ahli (2023)

Edouard Mendy will always be a legend for Chelsea fans for his towering performance as the goalkeeper in Chelsea's UCL-winning campaign in 2020-21.

However, in a shocking move in July 2023, the Senegal international joined Al-Ahli for a reported fee of €19 million. The 32-year-old goalkeeper is on a three-year contract with Al-Ahli, expiring in June 2026.

4. Demarai Gray - Everton to Al-Ettifaq (2023)

Demarai Gray signed for Al-Ettifaq on the deadline day of the transfer window in Saudi Arabia, on September 7th, 2023. 

The former Everton man also played for Leicester City and Bayer Leverkusen before his two-year stint at Everton. 

However, the Jamaican international penned down a four-year contract with the Saudi outfit, keeping him at the club until June of 2027. 

5. Aleksandar Mitrovic - Fulham to Al-Hilal (2023)

Aleksandar Mitrovic has proved himself as arguably the best overseas signing the Saudi Pro League has made since the door opened in 2023. The Serbian forward signed for Al-Hilal in August 2023. He left Fulham, where he had a dream season in 2022-23, scoring 14 goals in just 24 PL appearances. 

However, Al-Hilal paid a reported fee of €52 million to sign Mitrovic from Fulham. Since arriving in Saudi, the 30-year-old striker has netted 60 goals and provided 11 assists in 67 appearances for Al-Hilal, leading the club to the Saudi Arabian League title in 2023-24 and various other accolades. 

6. Ezgjan Alioski - Leeds to Al-Ahli (2021)

Although Kante is the PL footballer who had drawn significant attention from Saudi Clubs, it was Ezgjan Alioski who first joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli in 2021, leaving Leeds United on a free transfer.

However, the Macedonian left-back was loaned to Fenerbahce only after a year, and he spent a one-year loan stint at the Turkish side before permanently returning to Al-Ahli in June 2023. Alioski is in the last year of his contract, as the agreement expires in June 2025. 

7. Fabinho - Liverpool to Al-Ittihad (2023)

Fabinho joined Al-Ittihad in July 2023 for a transfer fee of almost €47 million, leaving his former club Liverpool.

The former Liverpool captain spent a long 5-year spell at Liverpool, winning almost everything with the Merseyside club. The Brazilian defensive midfielder is currently on a three-year contract with Al-Ittihad, binding him to the club until June 2026.

8. Roberto Firmino - Liverpool to Al-Ahli (2023)

Roberto Firmino, another cult hero of Liverpool, left the club in July 2023 to sign for Al-Ahli Saudi on a free transfer after his contract expired at the end of the 2022-23 season. 

Firmino played for Liverpool from 2015 to 2023, making him a legend for the Premier League club, where he won almost everything, scoring 111 goals in 362 games. 

The 33-year-old Brazilian is on a three-year deal with the Saudi club, expiring on June 2026.

9. Jordan Henderson - Liverpool to Al-Ettifaq (2023)

The case of Jordan Henderson is a unique instance, as he spent only 6 months in Saudi. The former Liverpool skipper moved to Al-Ettifaq after a €14 million transfer in July 2023, penning a three-year deal with the Saudi side. 

However, things did not go well with the England international as he failed to adjust to the Saudi Arabian climate and also had family reasons. Henderson left Al-Ettifaq in January 2024 as he returned to Europe to play for Ajax Amsterdam. 

Henderson currently captains the Dutch side, where his contract runs until June 2026.

10. Aymeric Laporte - Man City to Al-Nassr (2023)

Aymeric Laporte left Manchester City to join Al-Nassr in July 2023 after the Saudi side paid almost €28 million in transfer fees. 

The dynamic Spanish center-back was handed a three-year contract with the Saudi club, which runs until June 2026. Although he has not moved to any other club, he has recently been linked to a move to the Spanish giants, Real Madrid.

11. Riyad Mahrez - Man City to Al-Ahli (2023)

Riyad Mahrez has always been a silent cornerstone for Manchester City's success in recent years under Pep Guardiola. Mahrez also played a significant part in the iconic Premier League-winning campaign of Leicester City in 2016.

However, the Algerian left City in July 2023 on a €35 million transfer to join Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. The 33-year-old winger was handed a four-year contract that runs until June 2027.

12. Alex Telles - Man United to Al-Nassr (2023)

Alex Telles joined his national teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr after joining the Saudi side on a €4.6 million transfer. Telles left Manchester United to start anew in the Middle East.

However, his stint at Al-Nassr was full of obstacles, as only after a year, the Portuguese full-back terminated his contract by mutual agreement and joined the Brazilian side Botafogo on a free transfer in September 2024.

13. Allan Saint-Maximin - Newcastle to Al-Ahli (2023)

Allan Saint-Maximin emerged as one of the best forwards in the Premier League, before making a shocking move to Al-Ahli from Newcastle United for a transfer fee worth almost €28 million.

However, Maximin is now playing for Fenerbahce after being loaned out in July 2024, although he has a contract with Al-Ahli until June 2026.

14. Ruben Neves - Wolves to Al-Hilal (2023)

Ruben Neves etched his name in the history of Wolverhampton Wanderers; playing for the English side for almost seven years.

The Portuguese defensive midfielder left his beloved Wolves to join Al-Hilal in July 2023 on a huge €55 million transfer. Neves is contracted with Al-Hilal until June 2026.

15. Moussa Diaby - Aston Villa to Al-Ittihad (2024)

Moussa Diaby proved himself as one of the best emerging talents in world football but he unexpectedly signed for Al-Ittihad in July 2024, leaving Aston Villa on a huge €60 million transfer.

The 25-year-old French midfielder also played for renowned European clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and a significant four-year spell at Bayer Leverkusen. 

16. Ivan Toney - Brentford to Al-Ahli (2024)

Ivan Toney entered the England national team following his masterful performance with Brentford in the Premier League. However, he left the English side in August 2024, as Al-ahli paid a transfer fee of €42 million for the English forward.

The 28-year-old forward is currently playing for Al-Ahli where he is on a mega contract that runs until June 2028.

17. Johann Berg Gudmundsson - Burnley to Al-Orobah (2024)

Johann Berg Gudmundsson played an integral part in Burnley's promotion to the Premier League for the 2023-24 season. However, the Iceland international moved to Al-Orobah in August 2024 for an undisclosed fee. 

The 34-year-old winger is in the last year of his contract with Al-Orobah as it ends in June 2025.

18. Marek Rodak - Fulham to Al-Ettifaq (2024)

Marek Rodak, the Slovak international, left Fulham to join Al-Ettifaq on a free transfer in August 2024.

The 28-year-old goalkeeper is on a contract until June 2027.

19. Joao Cancelo - Man City to Al-Hilal (2024)

Joao Cancelo spent a tumultuous year in 2023, as he spent two different loan spells in Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona. However, Barcelona failed to trigger his release clause in August 2024 as Manchester City sold the Portuguese international to Al-Hilal on a modest €25 million transfer.

The 30-year-old fullback signed a three-year contract that runs until June 2027.

20. Kurt Zouma - West Ham to Al-Orobah (2024)

Kurt Zouma left West Ham United in August 2024 after spending almost three years at the English side, as he was loaned to Al-Orobah for a year. The French defender's loan ends in June 2025. 

21. Jhon Duran - Aston Villa to Al-Nassr (2025)

Jhon Duran is the latest Premier League footballer to leave top-tier English football to join Saudi Pro League. 

Al-Nassr has signed the Colombian youngster from Aston Villa for a huge €77 transfer fee including the add-ons. The 21-year-old striker, who signed a mega five-year contract, will stay at Al-Nassr until June 2030.

Saudi Pro League gains another former football icon to work in Saudi Arabia as Pavel Nedved, the 2003 Ballon d'Or winner has signed for Al-Shabab FC as the new Sporting Director of the club.

The Czechia and Juventus legend is set to take the helm at Al-Shabab from 9 January 2025.

“Pavel Nedved”, the Ballon d’Or legend, writes a new chapter with #AlShabab

🗣️ Black & White for me is EVERYTHING 🤍🖤 pic.twitter.com/bxrtzxORuj

— AlShabab Saudi Club (@AlShabab_EN) January 8, 2025

The club announced his appointment via a social media post that reads: "Czech legend Pavel Nedved appointed Sporting Director of Al Shabab."

Nedved set to bring his administration experiences to Saudi

Considered one of the greatest Czech footballers of all time, Pavel Nedved etched his name in history books while playing for Juventus and Lazio. After joining Lazio in 1996, Nedved won 7 trophies before joining Juventus in 2001. 

His 9-year-long and illustrious career with Juventus also earned him 5 silverware, and most remarkably, Nedved won the 2003 Ballon d'Or while playing for the Turin club with 65 goals and 81 assists to his name.

However, after retiring in 2009, Nedved started his chapter in football administration as he joined the Juventus Board of Directors in October 2010. Since October 2015, Nedved served as the club's vice president before leaving the position in November 2022.

البالندوري "بافيل نيدفيد" يبدأ فصلاً جديدًا بالأسود والأبيض 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/wXJ95eJfgv

— نادي الشباب السعودي (@AlShababSaudiFC) January 8, 2025

Al-Shabab has made a significant move in signing Nedved, as they eye for youth football development and a revamped footballing structure at the club. The newly-appointed Turkish coach Fetih Tarim will also combine with Nedved to bring the coveted glory to the club.

Currently dwelling in sixth place in the Saudi Pro League table, the club has adopted an ambitious approach to compete with the echelons of the Saudi Arabian football arena.

Football clubs across the globe will be back in business in the transfer market as the January Transfer Window draws near. Players will be listed for transfers as the clubs will look for potential reinforcements to chase the coveted success in the ongoing season. 

The 2024-25 January transfer window is officially open in England, Germany, and France from today, whereas clubs from Spain and Italy will engage in the market from tomorrow. The window will also conclude by adhering to different deadlines. 

Here are the timeframes of the January transfer window for the clubs from different European countries:

Negotiating transfers during the January window has its pros and cons, yet the thrill and intensity are just as significant as those in the summer transfer period.

Although the summer transfer window concludes typically in August, clubs keep their off-screen business running to shortlist, evaluate, and monitor players to acquire their services in the January window.

There have been many exciting speculations ahead of January that could take shape and rumours that could take unexpected turns in the coming days. 

🥂 Here we go! 2025 is here, January transfer window open! ✨

Happy new year to all of you, guys… wishing you health and happiness as always!

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 31, 2024

We have shortlisted the most speculated transfers, extensions, and rumours regarding some big names as well as youngsters across the European football circuit.

January Transfer Window: Players to watch

Mohamed Salah: Contract extension with Liverpool?

Mohamed Salah confirmed on 30 December that he is "far away" from signing a new deal at Liverpool. The Egyptian maestro will be a free agent after June 2025 if Liverpool fails to pen down a contract extension with the talisman. 

The 32-year-old forward is flying high with The Reds, enjoying one of the best seasons in the Premier League. However, Liverpool has been negotiating with the player for sometimes but no solution has been facilitated. Earlier this season, Salah also said that he was "disappointed by the club's failure" to offer him a new deal.

If Liverpool fails to negotiate with Salah while meeting the personal terms and financial expectations, there might be a chance that Salah can sign pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs, which has come into force from 1 January 2025; along with captain Virgil Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold who all are running out of contract this summer.

It is not clear yet if Salah wants to leave or stay with the club, as he has refused to discuss this matter in public. He clearly refused to "put anything on media". 

Dani Olmo: The registration fiasco

After moving to FC Barcelona for a €55m transfer fee from RB Leipzig last summer, Dani Olmo has become a free agent ahead of the January window. The Catalan club's appeal to register the Spanish international has reportedly been blocked by the Spanish Football Federation on 31 December, the deadline day.

LaLiga has now said in an official statement that Barcelona has failed to adhere to the Financial Fair Play rules, quoting that Barcelona "did not present any alternative" on meeting to the regulations, which was required for the club to "register any player beginning on January 2."

Barcelona injected some financial boost after reportedly reaching a deal to sell the VIP boxes to generate €100m to register Dani Olmo, along with Pau Victor. But the LaLiga committee continues to block the appeals made by Barcelona. 

Olmo has clearly shown his intentions to continue with Barcelona, but everything depends on the series of events in the upcoming days. 

The potential availability of the Euro 2024 winner on a free transfer in January has alerted some Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold: Linked with Real Madrid 

Real Madrid have reportedly been monitoring Trent Alexander-Arnold for some time now, and the Spanish club has made their intentions clear about signing the Liverpool full-back.

As per the most recent report from Sky Sports today, Real Madrid did not make a formal offer but approached Liverpool about the player, but the current Premier League leaders have turned down the proposal. 

Trent's contract at Liverpool ends in June 2025, ahead of the summer transfer window. Back in September, the 26-year-old England international hinted at his contract extension, saying that his negotiations with Liverpool will not be 'played out' in public.

It will be interesting to see how this speculation goes down as Liverpool is well-shaped this season, leading the table both in the Premier League and the Champions League.

Viktor Gyökeres: Comeback to the Premier League?

After a stellar 2024, the Swedish striker has drawn interest from many big European outfits. However, Viktor Gyökeres is currently on a contract with Sporting CP that runs until June 2028. With a current market value of €75m and a release clause of over €100m, very few clubs will be able to afford the transfer fees Sporting will demand.

Following the departure of Ruben Amorim as head coach and also his successor Joao Pereira, Rui Borges has taken the helm at Sporting but the club has slipped in the Champions League and also domestically. Although Borges won his first game against Benfica on 30 December 2024, other clubs can take advantage of the situation in the upcoming days. 

Both Arsenal and Manchester United have been in a race to sign the 27-year-old prospect. A January move seems unlikely, but no one can really predict the aspects of the transfer window. 

Marcus Rashford: Move to Saudi imminent?

Marcus Rashford is seeking to leave Manchester United after being dropped completely in recent matches. Under the new manager Ruben Amorim, the 27-year-old forward has got a handful of minutes and he reportedly does not want to play under the Portuguese, although he has a contract until June 2028.

Rashford is now eyeing to facilitate his exit from Manchester United but the player may have to battle hardships to convince any other European outfit to sign him. Reports suggested that Barcelona can make a move for the English forward, but there has been no recent development.

However, Saudi clubs such as Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Qadsiah have reportedly shown interest in signing Rashford. 

Randal Kolo Muani: Linked with Chelsea

The French striker has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea in January, as reports suggested that Chelsea are officially preparing a bid. The Paris Saint-Germain striker is currently valued at €80m, but Chelsea are reportedly looking to splash cash to reinforce their attacking options. 

However, Kolo Muani was linked with Manchester United as well, but the Red Devils are now out of the race. The insiders from Old Trafford have confirmed that the club have a limited budget for the January window. 

Other players linked with reported possible moves

• Matheus Cunha, who currently plays for Wolves, is reportedly shortlisted by Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Newcastle after his electrifying performances in recent matches. 
• Newcastle striker Alexander Isak has been regularly linked with Arsenal.
• Galatasaray has approached PSG to discuss a loan deal for defender Milan Skriniar.
• Both Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen and Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle have been linked to Manchester City.
• Martin Zubimendi, the Real Sociedad midfielder, has attracted interest from top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester City. Real Madrid is reportedly preparing for a bid as well.
• Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku, has been linked with a January move to clubs like Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
• Manchester United are keen on signing Victor Osimhen.

Karim Benzema has become the official ambassador for Saudi Arabia's official bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Benzema expressed his confidence in the competence of Saudi Arabia to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034 during a recent meeting with young footballers in Jeddah.

Looking to the future with the @Saudi2034bid 🇸🇦🏆 pic.twitter.com/Z8ZsUDaFUr

— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) December 8, 2024

Saudi Arabia strengthens its position through the collaboration

Karim Benzema signed for Al-Ittihad in 2023 as one of the most prominent faces of world football to feature in the Saudi Pro League. Many promising footballers have joined the Saudi Pro League in recent years to elevate their footballing careers. Saudi Arabian Football Federation has shown greater aspirations by submitting an official bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Following Australia's withdrawal, which was Saudi's only contender in the bidding process, Saudi Arabia is now in the pole position to win the hosting rights for the biggest event of football in 2034.  Saudi Arabian Football Federation has tied knots with the French icon to strengthen their position in the premises of world football.  

The 36-year-old forward announced his appointment as the ambassador during a visit to Al-Balad. He stated:

I believe Saudi football is changing. I think that in 10 years, Saudi Arabia will be ready. I believe that visitors will be surprised by the passion of Saudi fans at every match,

Recent controversies regarding human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia have struck the football environment, as human rights activists have also expressed their concern about FIFA's decision. However, Benzema conveyed his personal views regarding the criticisms.

People who have preconceived notions about Saudi Arabia should come and see for themselves. There are incredible things and iconic places. The people are welcoming. You feel good here. It's a country worth exploring. There is so much to do. It's not just about the desert, even though there are incredible experiences to be had in the desert as well. You must come and visit Saudi Arabia.

Read Also | Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid: FIFA is reportedly overlooking reports on human rights abuses

Benzema addressed the importance of grassroots developments in football

The French icon recently met the trainees from the Saudi Football Federation’s regional training centers in Jeddah and offered his understanding to develop a better environment for football in the region. Benzema said:

Saudi football is developing, and I am confident that after 10 years Saudi Arabia will be fully prepared (for the World Cup).

Training and development begin with the young players, and this is the most important thing — creating a generation that can reach the highest level.

An official statement by FIFA to confirm Saudi Arabia as the host nation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup may arrive this month after the FIFA Congress on 11 December 2024.