Last winter, football in Saudi Arabia launched an offensive to increase relevance. This is to be expanded in the summer.
Riyadh – With Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr in the winter, football in Saudi Arabia has ushered in a new era. This summer, they are bidding for several heavyweights of professional football and don't seem to have bad cards. Even German national players are being talked about in the Gulf state.
| Thomas Müller | |
|---|---|
| Born: | 13 September 1989 (age 33 years), Weilheim in Upper Bavaria |
| Clubs: | FC Bayern Munich |
| Market value: | 18 million euros (transfermarkt.de) |
Saudi Arabian transfer offensive
Cristiano Ronaldo's move was a landmark move for the Saudi Professional League. Football in the Gulf state experienced an upswing due to the Portuguese and received more media attention. In addition, the arrival of the superstar was a sign of what could still happen this summer.
This week, the transfer of Karim Benzema from Real Madrid to Al-Ittihad was announced. This means that another world footballer is moving to Saudi Arabia, and the league is undergoing another upgrade. He could be followed by other stars, as his French compatriot N' Golo Kante is also set to join the new Benzema club.
Will Thomas Müller play against Cristiano Ronaldo next season? © IMAGO / Treese; IMAGO / MB Media Solutions
Thomas Müller arouses interest from the Saudis
As reported by SportBild, Saudi clubs are also interested in players from the Bundesliga. Among other things, one of the clubs is said to have put out feelers in the direction of Thomas Müller. However, the Bavarian veteran declined as he was not interested in a move to the Saudi Pro League.
Player agent Volker Struth explains in the football podcast Phrasenmäher that there have also been inquiries for Toni Kroos and Mario Götze. "I was contacted and informed the players about it, but they didn't think about it for a second. Such a change would not take place with these guys," the consultant explained.
Princely salaries – everything for the 2030 World Cup
Even if the sporting prospects in Saudi Arabia are not the best, the clubs can lure with one thing above all: money. N' Golo Kante, who is said to be close to a move to Al-Ittihad, is on a three-year contract worth 100 million euros per year. Lionel Messi, who has decided against a move to Saudi Arabia, is said to have been offered five times as much.
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The Gulf state has a clear goal in mind. The 2030 World Cup, the award of which is to be decided next year. The government is eager to bring them to Saudi Arabia. This requires both national and international interest in football. This is to be awakened by numerous superstars in the domestic league. (jari)