While the Premier League may have broken its summer transfer record yet again as England’s elite spent more than £2bn in aggregate, it was Saudi Arabia that stole many of the headlines.
Having embarked on a near-global takeover since the PIF took control of four Pro League clubs back in June, the Middle Eastern giants have continued to break a number of financial records over the past couple of months.
Along with bringing in reigning Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, many were stunned to see Brazilian superstar Neymar arrive in Saudi Arabia following his departure from France’s PSG.
By reportedly offering salary packages that are 10 times what players make at their current European clubs, the Premier League has also seen a host of its strong strikers cashing in on their newfound finances in the Middle East.
Along with Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante and Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, now-former Manchester City duo Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte have also completed their promotion to the Pro League.
With Saudi Arabia’s summer transfer window not closing on September 7th, we’ve taken a look at a handful of Premier League superstars still linked with a high-profile move to the Middle East.
Mohamed Salah – Liverpool
While Saudi Arabia could snap up the likes of Benzema and Kante this summer, there is no doubt that Mohamed Salah’s potential arrival in the Middle East would be considered a standout blitz.
While Liverpool may have made it perfectly clear that their offensive symbol is not for sale, that hasn’t stopped ongoing speculation that the 31-year-old could complete a historic move before the September 7 deadline.
Despite ESPN After revealing last weekend that Jurgen Klopp’s team turned down Al Ittihad’s initial £150m offer, it looks like the former Premier League champions are gearing up for another blockbuster to test their resolve.
Daily Mail Tuesday suggested a Saudi delegation traveled to England to continue dialogue on a new proposal that could cost a record £200m. Similarly, The Mail report also states that Al-Ittihad received specific information that Salah himself was ready to move.
While Liverpool fans would be heartbroken to see their attacking story maker leave Anfield before Thursday’s deadline, the Reds have a big decision to make.
Pablo Fornals – West Ham
While Pablo Fornals may have played a decisive role in West Ham’s European Conference League title this summer, rumors continue that the Spanish international could leave the London stadium.
While the Molotovs may have the option to extend Fornals’ current contract for another 12 months, the former Villarreal player has officially entered the final 12 months of his contract.
Despite still being the clear favorite of West Ham manager David Moyes, the six-cap international has only made one Premier League appearance this season and is reportedly frustrated by his lack of regular first-team appearances on both side of the summer break. .
Football insider It was reported over the weekend that a number of Saudi Arabian professional league clubs had already expressed interest in the 27-year-old and would be monitoring Fornals’ situation over the next few days.
While the versatile midfielder may still be a true fan favorite in east London, there are speculations that Moyes’ side could be tempted to accept an offer in the region of £28m.
Jamaal Lacelles – Newcastle
Jamaal Lacelles is still unable to earn a place in Newcastle’s starting XI despite Sven Botman suffering an ankle injury last month.
After making only a brief 17-minute episodic match against Brighton during Magpie’s final 3-1 defeat, the 29-year-old quickly succumbed to Howe’s place in the defensive pecking order.
While the former Nottingham Forest star may still captain Newcastle, Lacelles has only made eight Premier League appearances since last season.
Now, in the final 12 months of his current deal at St James’ Park, there are no signs of strain and Newcastle management are not ruling out the former England U21 international could be in the squad. his exit from the club before Thursday’s deadline in Saudi Arabia.
WITH TEAMtalk Assuming Pro League team Al Shabab added Lascelles to their summer wish list over the weekend, Newcastle are believed to be looking to cash in on their captain.