Saudi Pro League Lays Groundwork for Life After Ronaldo with Major Transfer Push
The Saudi Pro League is already planning for Cristiano Ronaldo’s eventual exit, with officials preparing an aggressive recruitment drive designed to keep global attention on the league long after the Al Nassr star retires.
Reports indicate that league executives are lining up as many as 50 high profile foreign signings, aiming to surround Ronaldo with elite talent in the short term while building a sustainable star-powered future ahead of the 2034 World Cup.
A major focus has been placed on securing peak age players who can anchor the league for several seasons, alongside a smaller group of established veterans whose reputations still carry global appeal. Mohamed Salah, Bruno Fernandes, Vinicius Junior and Robert Lewandowski are among the headline names under consideration.
Saudi officials have already made exploratory contact over Salah, whose relationship with sporting director Michael Emenalo dates back several years. Al Ittihad previously saw a £150 million bid rejected in 2023, but Liverpool’s stance may now be more flexible as the winger’s situation evolves.
Fernandes is also attracting serious interest, with Al Ittihad one of three clubs monitoring the Manchester United captain. His contract includes a €60 million release clause for non Premier League clubs, and the midfielder has previously acknowledged Saudi interest, including a reported £700,000-a-week proposal discussed in 2025.
Attention is not limited to marquee attackers. Casemiro is expected to leave Manchester United as a free agent this summer and remains a long standing target, while Premier League regulars such as Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana and Gabriel Martinelli are also on Saudi radars.
The scale of ambition extends beyond England. Vinicius Junior has emerged as a primary target, with Al Ahli expected to receive significant central funding to pursue a deal. Talks between the Brazilian’s representatives and Saudi officials have reportedly been ongoing for more than a year, while Lewandowski is also weighing offers from the Middle East.
Behind the scenes, a strategic funding model is driving the push. Clubs can now access central resources of up to €2 billion per season, allocated based on individual needs rather than evenly distributed, with funds covering transfer fees, wages and agent commissions.
The urgency of the plan is closely tied to Ronaldo’s future. The five time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to leave Al Nassr in the summer of 2027, a moment that could coincide with his retirement from professional football.
Saudi officials are determined to avoid a drop in global interest once that moment arrives. Options being explored include extending Ronaldo’s influence beyond the pitch, potentially through an increased ownership stake in Al Nassr, as the league reshapes itself for a post Ronaldo era.