Which players could move to Saudi Pro League this summer?

• With the 2023/24 season coming to an end, the summer transfer window is about to be opened
• During this period, we will see several players secure transfer to clubs of their choice
• The Saudi Pro League is going to be a top destination for several clubs

The Saudi Pro League is about to make headlines again as it will poach top players from European clubs. Since Cristiano Ronaldo moved to the Saudi Pro League, the league has been able to acquire several big name players such as Neymar Jr, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane and Aymeric Laporte, among others.

With the 2023/24 season coming to an end, the summer transfer window is about to be opened. During this period, we will see several players secure transfer to clubs of their choice. But who will be on the move? SportsLeo brings your five top players who could move to Saudi before the end of the transfer window this year.

1. Casemiro

Casemiro has not played to expectations this season. Photo/ Football 365

After arriving at Manchester United from Real Madrid during the 2022 summer transfer window, Casemiro proved to be one of the best signings the Red Devils have made in recent years. In fact, the Brazilian helped United win the Carabao Cup and qualify for the UEFA Champions League in his debut season.

However, things fell apart for him during the 2023-24 campaign as he struggled to keep up with the pace of the Premier League. In fact, there are a few matches in which he has been totally dominated and made errors that cost United points.

With Man Utd planning an overhaul this coming summer transfer window, Casemiro is one of the players who could leave. Currently aged 32, the defensive midfielder is likely to return to his country Brazil or move to Saudi Arabia. Considering how a great player he has been over the years, several Saudi Pro League clubs are obviously going to show interest in him.

2. Raphael Varane

Raphael Varane. Photo/Sky Sports

Just like Casemiro, Raphael Varane was elite when he joined Manchester United from Real Madrid. He showed his defensive prowess playing as a centre-back but injuries have since made it difficult for him to continue shining.

Varane has been on the sidelines when United need him the most, missing over 45 Premier League matches due to injuries. However, that does not change the fact that he is a brilliant player on the pitch as we have seen him impress several times.

The Frenchman is one of the stars Manchester United have decided to part ways with and he already bid farewell to the fans a few days ago. With his experience and the influence he has in the beautiful game, his next destination is likely going to be the Saudi Pro League.

3. Thiago Alcantara 

Similar to Raphael Varane, Thiago Alcantara has struggled with injuries in the Premier League. The former FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich man is a top midfielder but Liverpool fans have rarely seen him at his best due to injuries. In fact, he has only played one Premier League match match this season and a total of 19 in the last two campaigns.

It was quite clear that the man who Liverpool saw as the missing piece in their midfield was destined to leave this summer. Considering the fact that the Spaniard is one of the most gifted midfielders and a master of his art when fully fit, Thiago could secure a big contract in the Saudi Pro League this summer.

4. Anthony Martial 

It’s quite unfortunate that things never worked out for Anthony Martial at Manchester United. The Frenchman arrived as one of the finest young players in Europe and even showed a glimpse of his potential in the early stages of his career.

However, Martial has spent more time on the sidelines dealing with injuries than he has contributed to Manchester United in recent years. He is set to leave this summer and since a few European clubs have shown interest in him, the number nine could land a deal in Saudi Arabia.

5. Kepa Arrizabalaga

Kepa Arrizabalaga. Photo/ Football365.

Kepa Arrizabalaga is currently signed to Real Madrid on loan from Chelsea. After joining the La Liga giants last summer, he expressed the desire to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu after the end of the 2023-24 season. However, he is likely to return to Chelsea as things stand. Despite Thibaut Courtois’ struggles with injuries, Kepa has remained on the sidelines with Andriy Lunin taking his place.

To be honest, it’s hard to imagine that he will get back into the Chelsea team so a move to the Saudi Pro League could do him good. The 29-year-old still has a lot of years left to play and could be an ideal signing in Saudi Arabia considering there aren’t as many keepers on his level playing there.