Five Premier League players who could move to Saudi this month
Saudi spending has slowed in recent transfer windows but the Middle East remains a lucrative destination for footballers seeking a new challenge.
After the likes of Ivan Toney and Moussa Diaby swapped the Premier League for Saudi Arabia last summer, SPL sides are again being linked with English-based options.
We’ve looked at five Premier League players who could move to the Saudi Pro League this month.
Five Premier League players who could move to Saudi this month
Darwin Nunez (Liverpool)
Liverpool have reportedly turned down an offer in the region of £70m for Darwin Nunez this month. Al-Hilal are interested in a deal to sign the Uruguayan, whose move to Anfield has not worked out as hoped.
Despite boasting the raw ingredients to thrive at Liverpool, Nunez has struggled for consistency in his performances. This season, he has arguably gone backwards under Arne Slot. He’s scored just twice in the Premier League this season and has seen Luis Diaz preferred as an auxiliary centre-forward.
Liverpool are reportedly prepared to deal if Al-Hilal increase their bid. Banking a profit on Nunez – signed for an initial £64m from Benfica – would be good business after an underwhelming time on Merseyside.
Casemiro (Manchester United)
Casemiro’s time at Manchester United appears numbered with a decline in influence and status.
The Brazilian impressed after his initial arrival from Real Madrid but has looked a shadow of his former self across the last 18 months. His inability to cover the ground has seen the 32-year-old fall out of favour under new head coach Ruben Amorim.
Saudi sides are said to be interested in Casemiro, who could conclude his decorated career in a less demanding division. United, who must sell before investments can be made, are willing to entertain offers.
Antony (Manchester United)
Antony is another asset Manchester United are prepared to cut their losses on this month. The Brazilian has been a high-profile disaster for the Red Devils since arriving from Ajax for a fee in the region of £82m.
Despite reuniting with Erik ten Hag, the winger has been unable to replicate the performances that saw him sought-after at Ajax. He has just five goals and three assists in 60 league appearances for the club and has failed to start a Premier League game this season.
Saudi suitors might just be the club’s best chance of minimising what will be a substantial loss.
Martin Dubravka (Newcastle)
Eddie Howe is battling to hold onto Martin Dubravka this month. Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab are pushing hard to sign the Newcastle goalkeeper.
Al-Shabab have made Dubravka, whose contract expires in the summer, their top target. The Slovakian shot-stopper has been a big part of Newcastle’s nine-game winning run, having stepped in to deputise for the injured Nick Pope. With Howe unconvinced by summer signing Odysseas Vlachodimos, fending off interest in Dubravka is crucial.
⚪️⚫️🇸🇦 Martin Dubravka has an agreement in principle with Al Shabab over contract terms.
He’s waiting for Newcastle’s final decision/green light before joining the Saudi Pro League club. pic.twitter.com/0Qnut8X9UK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 8, 2025
Mario Lemina (Wolves)
Wolves boss Vitor Pereira has revealed that Mario Lemina wants to quit Wolves.
Al-Shabab have asked to sign Lemina on a free transfer, though Wolves are demanding a fee of around £5m for the 31-year-old.
Lemina lost the captaincy at Wolves to Nelson Semedo last month and Pereira has now confirmed he wants out, after missing the club’s last two fixtures.
The Wolves boss has spoken!
Midfielder Mario Lemina wants out of Molineux! #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/G6UaerGFqs
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 15, 2025
“I can’t bring a player who tells me he is not in the mental condition to help the team. He wants to leave. I don’t know what happened before me. But with this energy and this mentality, I don’t need him, I prefer to play with another player.
“I don’t have anything against Lemina or any issues with him. He said to me that he wants to leave and he communicated this decision one month ago to the club.”
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