The Saudi Pro League gained prominence during the 2023-24 season following an influx of superstars from European football. Cristiano Ronaldo surprised everyone when he decided to move to Saudi Arabia in 2023 after leaving Manchester United. He joined Al-Nassr in January 2023 and it put the league in the spotlight.
During the 2023 summer transfer window, a number of big stars joined different teams in the Saudi Pro League. The likes of Karim Benzema, Neymar Jr., N’Golo Kante, and Aymeric Laporte all joined the league.
The 2023-24 season saw Al Hilal completely dominate the Saudi Pro League as they won the title unbeaten. They won 31 and drew three of their 34 games, sitting above second-placed Al Nassr by a massive 14 points. While they will be keen to continue their dominance, other teams will look to overtake the Blue Waves.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Pro League as a whole will look to attract more big-name players to the league to continue their growth and development. Hence, it is a big summer transfer window for the league in terms of trying to maintain their standards after the recent burst.
On that note, let’s take a look at some transfer predictions for Saudi Pro League 2024 Transfer Window:
Nacho Fernandez
While this move was already announced yesterday (June 27), it still deserved a mention on the list because of its significance. Nacho Fernandez decided to leave Real Madrid after 23 years this summer as a free agent. He is the club’s joint-most decorated player with 26 trophies.
Potential Club
He then decided to move to the Saudi Pro League. However, he hasn’t joined any of the mammoth clubs like Al Hilal or Al Nassr. The Spaniard chose to join the newly promoted side Al Qadsiah instead.
Nacho is likely to be the starter and also the leader of the side as they hope to stay in the league after promotion. After leading Real Madrid to three trophies last year, he will certainly be a big influence on the team and the league in general.
Impact of leaving Real Madrid
Nacho has been an important player for Real Madrid for over a decade now. While he couldn’t establish himself as a starter, he often filled in as the first replacement in defense. He was able to play in any position in defense and made 364 appearances for the club.
Hence, his departure will be a cause of concern for Real Madrid, especially given their lack of defensive depth. They have been linked with Leny Yoro but will need to sign one more defender.
Casemiro
Another former Real Madrid ace who could join the Saudi Pro League this summer is Casemiro. The 32-year-old had a poor 2023-24 campaign with Manchester United. While he dealt with some injury issues early in the season, he put in multiple disappointing performances over the course of the season.
Moreover, he was played as a centre-back during an injury crisis at Manchester United and it turned out to be a bad experiment. After their 4-0 hammering against Crystal Palace, pundit Jamie Carragher even suggested Casemiro to leave top-level football and go to somewhere like Saudi Arabia.
Multiple reports have suggested that the likes of Al Nassr are interested in signing Casemiro as well. With United looking for a major overhaul, the Brazilian could well and truly move to the Saudi Pro League.
Potential club
Multiple reports have suggested that the likes of Al Nassr are interested in signing Casemiro. The Knights of Njad failed to win any trophy last season. While Marcelo Brozovic was a decent addition, Casemiro arguably would be a big upgrade on the Croat.
Impact of leaving Manchester United
Manchester United are set to send Sofyan Amrabat back to Fiorentina after his loan spell. Hence, if Casemiro were to leave as well, it would create a big hold in midfield. Kobbie Mainoo has done well but United needs more depth.
They will need to make some midfield signing who could also add the experience and leadership that Casemiro brought to the club.
Sadio Mane
As per a surprising report from Daily Mail, Al Nassr are willing to sell Sadio Mane this summer. The 32-year-old forward joined the club only last summer from Bayern Munich for €30 million.
He scored 19 goals and contributed 11 assists in 46 games across competitions, which hasn’t impressed the club hierarchy it appears. Mane’s contract with Al Nassr expires in 2026 and as per Transfermarkt, his market value is €15 million.
The Senegalese forward did show some traces of brilliance and could return to Europe if he’s sold this summer. He could also join another Saudi Pro League side. However, it is likely he will have to join a lower club given the attacking prowess at clubs like Al Hilal and Al Ittihad.
Potential club
It is likely that Mane will have to join a lower club given the attacking prowess at clubs like Al Hilal and Al Ittihad. He could join Al Ahli and combine with his former Liverpool teammate Roberto Firmino.
Impact on leaving Al Nassr
Al Nassr suffered a huge blow last season following Anderson Talisca’s ACL injury. It remains to be seen if he can return to his best next season after such a long time out of action. Hence, if Sadio Mane also leaves, they will need to add major firepower to their ranks.
They have been linked with Aston Villa’s Moussa Diaby.
Thiago Alcantara
Thiago Alcantara is currently a free agent, having been released from Liverpool after the expiration of his contract this summer. He joined the Reds from Bayern Munich in 2020 but had a tough time at the club due to multiple injuries. He missed over 100 games due to injuries, making 98 appearances in four seasons.
Thiago could make just one appearance last season as he suffered multiple injuries. He is now a free agent but a move to a big European club appears unlikely. The 33-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League.
While the Saudi Arabian top flight has progressed in recent years, it is still less intense and has less pressure than Europe’s top leagues. Hence, it could be a perfect move for Thiago as enters the twilight of his career.
Moreover, if he can stay fit, there are few players with more technical ability than the Spaniard. He could join Al Ettifaq, who parted ways with Jordon Henderson in January earlier this year.
Potential Club
He could join Al Ettifaq, who parted ways with Jordon Henderson in January earlier this year. He would be a great fit at the club, especially under former Liverpool manager Steven Gerrard.
Impact of leaving Liverpool
Liverpool already spent the entire 2023-24 season without Thiago. However, it is clear they need some signings in midfield after their season fell off towards the end.
Callum Wilson
Newcastle United are reportedly in danger of breaching Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules. In order to stay within the limits, they must sell players this summer. One of the players who reportedly could be a part of the exodus is Callum Wilson.
The English striker has become a second fiddle at the club since Alexander Isak’s arrival in 2022. He made just 26 appearances across competitions last season due to injury and form issues, scoring 10 goals and providing one assist.
Moreover, Newcastle have Saudi Arabian owners and they would certainly use their links to help the club in case of a financial issue. Wilson has been heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League this summer.
He could join Al Nassr or Al Ittihad as they look to beat Al Hilal to the title. Aleksandar Mitrovic moved to Al Hilal from Fulham last summer and had a stellar season, registering 40 goals and eight assists in 44 games across competitions. Wilson could look to replicate the Serbian’s exploits.
Potential club
He could join Al Nassr or Al Ittihad as they look to beat Al Hilal to the title. Aleksandar Mitrovic moved to Al Hilal from Fulham last summer and had a stellar season, registering 40 goals and eight assists in 44 games across competitions. Wilson could look to replicate the Serbian’s exploits.
Impact on leaving Newcastle
Callum Wilson despite having a reduced role has been an important player for Newcastle over the years. Hence, his departure will be a big problem for manager Eddie Howe. They have been linked with a move for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and will need a striker of that caliber to compete with Alexander Isak.
Also Read: Will Cristiano Ronaldo play for Al Nassr Next Season? Club CEO Makes Bold Prediction