Five Premier League stars who could make money-spinning move to Saudi Arabia including Man City outcast and Man Utd ace
THE LURE of a mega-money Saudi switch is still enticing for plenty of Premier League players as the transfer deadline edges closer.
The Middle Eastern league has already snapped up top talent from across Europe’s biggest leagues in recent seasons including Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
The Premier League is jam-packed full of talent that Saudi’s biggest sides will be hoping to lure to their growing division.
And with FFP making business in the Prem so difficult for clubs, owners are becoming increasingly more open to recouping hefty fees by sanctioning exits to the Saudi Pro League.
For players there is the incentive of wads of cash that get splashed around in the Saudi Arabian top division, with some stars said to be earning millions per WEEK.
Here SunSport breaks down five Premier League stars that could swap England’s top flight for the Middle Eastern Kingdom…
Ivan Toney
Ivan Toney had looked like he was set to earn himself a big move to a top side like Arsenal or Chelsea.
But with the London clubs cooling their interest in the Bees bagsman, Saudi Arabia now appears a more likely destination.
Toney, 28, is wanted by Al-Ahli, with Brentford said to be holding out for a £50million fee for their England international.
TalkSPORT have reported that Toney is demanding a whopping £327,000 per week salary to make the move happen.
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Kyle Walker
Another England international who could be heading to the Middle East is Kyle Walker.
The Guardian have reported that Walker is among a number of targets on the shortlist of Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal.
The 34-year-old has been an important cog in Pep Guardiola‘s Man City machine, but could call time on his six-year spell at the Etihad this summer.
Walker has previously been open to a move abroad, coming close to joining Bayern Munich last summer.
Joao Cancelo
Another Man City right-back and another name on Al-Hilal’s list of defensive targets.
Most fans may have forgotten that Cancelo is still on the books at City following his loan to Barcelona last season.
But the versatile Portuguese defender is still picking up his wages at the Etihad, despite no longer being part of Guardiola’s plans.
City will be looking to offload the 30-year-old, who hasn’t featured for the club since January 2023.
Guardiola has opened the door for an exit, saying: “About what’s going to happen, it depends on his agents and the club.
“In the end, if he has to stay we will treat him like all the other players, with respect, and try to take the best from the huge qualities he has.”
Casemiro
Manchester United are trying to rebuild their team with youthful acquisitions and exciting talent – a bracket that doesn’t squeeze an ageing Casemiro into it.
The Brazilian, 32, struggled for form last season, playing just over half of the Red Devils’ league games.
However, his European and International pedigree has earned him a stellar reputation that could see him seal a big-money Saudi switch.
Casemiro is admired by a number of Saudi Pro League clubs, despite the former Real Madrid man pocketing £350,000 per week at Old Trafford.
Daniel Podence
Wolves star Daniel Podence could join Pedro Neto in leaving Molineux this summer.
Gary O’Neil could lose even more attacking talent from his ranks as Podence has received interest from Saudi Arabia.
According to the BBC, Al-Shabab are keen on the 28-year-old but are yet to launch a formal bid.
Podence spent last season on loan with former club Olympiakos, scoring 15 times in 45 games.
It’s claimed that Wolves would be happy to move on Podence for a fee of around £10m.
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Ivan Toney was left out of Brentford’s opening match of the 2024/25 Premier League season due to transfer interest from elsewhere.
Newcastle have reportedly made a fourth bid worth £65million for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
Chelsea are in talks with Atletico Madrid regarding a permanent move for Joao Felix.
Should an agreement be reached, it could resurrect the sale of Conor Gallagher to the Spanish giants.
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