Saudi chief may land three stars after Man City announcement

Kevin De Bruyne has already announced his imminent exit from Manchester City and might potentially be joined by two Premier League stars should he complete a move to the Saudi Pro League

Kevin De Bruyne could be followed by two Liverpool stars should Saudi chiefs complete their lucrative plan to topple Europe’s biggest leagues. Clubs from the Middle East have been tempting some of football’s biggest stars to the Gulf state over recent years.

Ex-Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo broke the mould with his record-breaking switch to Al-Nassr. And one chief has laid his cards on the table on the league’s upcoming plans which includes outgoing Manchester City playmaker De Bruyne, as well as Mohamed Salah.

Speaking on The Overlap, Head of Scouting for the Saudi Pro League, Thomas Spring previously said: “I think that the recruitment model will be a healthy balance between elite, world class players. So I still envisage a Mo Salah, a Kevin De Bruyne, a Darwin Nunez - I still envisage those players coming across.

“But I also envisage more really emerging players like a Jhon Duran for example. I seem more younger players really operating successfully in leagues around Europe coming across and that healthy balance being there.

“And then I also envisage that the ambition will still be there so the goal of the Saudi Pro League is to compete with Europe’s top five leagues. So whatever method to achieve that, whether that’s staffing or facilities or player recruitment, medical, whatever discipline that may be, I envisage that they’ll invest heavily into that to become on par with one of Europe’s top five leagues.”

Saudi chiefs have of course made very public attempts to sign Liverpool duo Salah and Nunez. Al-Ittihad had a £150m bid for the former rejected in 2023 - albeit they could sign him for nothing this summer with his contract set to expire. The Reds also rebuffed an offer from Saudi for striker Nunez. It was reported that their bid was in the region of around £62m.

Elsewhere, De Bruyne could be available for nothing this summer having already confirmed his Man City exit in an emotional statement. Taking to social media, the Belgian playmaker wrote: “Seeing this, you probably realise where this is heading. So I’ll get straight to it and let you all know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player.

Where will Kevin De Buyne go? Share your thoughts in the comments below

“Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes. That day is here – and you deserve to hear it from me first. Football led me to all of you – and to this city. Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life. This City. This club. These people... gave me EVERYTHING. I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what – we won everything.

“Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye. Suri, Rome, Mason, Michele, and I are beyond grateful for what this place has meant to our family. ‘Manchester’ will forever be on our kids’ passports – and more importantly, in each of our hearts.

“This will always be our HOME. We cannot thank the city, club, staff, teammates, friends, and family enough for this 10-year ride. Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter. Let’s enjoy these last moments together! Much love, KDB.”

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