N’Golo Kante, a midfielder for Chelsea, will likely be the most well-known player to relocate to Saudi Arabia this summer.
As part of Saudi Arabia’s sports clubs investment and privatisation strategy, it was revealed on Monday that Newcastle United’s principal owner, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, had purchased a 75% share in the Saudi Pro League teams Al Ahli, Al Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Ittihad.
Since that time, the PIF-owned clubs have been in contact with some of the most recognisable personalities in world football.
Karim Benzema, a former player for Real Madrid, on Tuesday agreed to a three-year deal with Al Ittihad earning an estimated £172 million each season. Furthermore, it is commonly believed that Kante, a fellow countryman, will soon join the Frenchman.
Tuesday night, a delegation from Al Ittihad was in London to discuss the details of a two-year contract for approximately £86 million annually. After seven years at Stamford Bridge, the 32-year-old will become a free agent at the end of this month.
Another team, Al Hilal, is awaiting Lionel Messi’s decision after he was reportedly handed a two-year contract worth over £1 billion. The 35-year-old World Cup winner is also taking Barcelona and Inter Miami’s bids into consideration.
Saudi Arabia reportedly made proposals to players like Serge Busquets, Paul Pogba, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Wilfried Zaha, and Hugo Lloris, in addition to signing Cristiano Ronaldo in January. It’s anticipated that many more well-known names will follow.