The Saudi Pro League is strategically preparing for its inevitable transition into the post-Cristiano Ronaldo era. With the Portuguese legend's retirement approaching, league officials have unveiled an ambitious recruitment blueprint targeting 50 elite foreign players to sustain global interest and competitive credibility.
According to talkSPORT, Saudi decision-makers are orchestrating a comprehensive overhaul of their player portfolio ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The strategy prioritizes peak-age professionals capable of delivering world-class performances for multiple seasons, marking a shift from signing aging veterans to building a sustainable football ecosystem.
Michael Emenalo, the league's sporting director and former Chelsea technical director, stands at the center of this transformation. His extensive European network and talent-identification expertise make him the ideal architect for this ambitious project, signaling Saudi Arabia's commitment to employing experienced football executives rather than relying solely on financial power.
The recruitment timeline is carefully calibrated. League insiders indicate that efforts will accelerate following the 2026 World Cup, using that global spectacle as a catalyst to attract players who have showcased their abilities on the biggest stage. This strategic patience allows clubs to assess which players truly justify significant investments.
Among the primary targets, Liverpool's Mohamed Salah occupies a position of particular importance. Al-Ittihad's record-breaking £150 million ($202m) bid in 2023 was rejected, but circumstances have evolved significantly. Salah's visible frustration with Liverpool's direction in December has created an opening that Saudi clubs are prepared to exploit, especially with his contract situation becoming more complex.
Emenalo's personal relationship with Salah, built over years of mutual respect, could prove decisive in negotiations. Al-Ittihad's renewed interest comes at a critical juncture, as the club potentially faces the departure of both Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté. Liverpool's stance has reportedly softened, making them more receptive to substantial offers for their Egyptian superstar.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes represents another cornerstone of the Saudi strategy. The Portuguese midfielder possesses a €60 million release clause that excludes Premier League clubs, making him accessible to foreign suitors. This contractual structure demonstrates sophisticated planning and suggests his camp has long considered an exit strategy.
Fernandes revealed that Manchester United actively attempted to broker his Saudi transfer in 2025, with a £700,000-per-week contract reportedly prepared. He has stated he will evaluate his future after the upcoming World Cup, signaling his Old Trafford tenure may be ending. Three Saudi clubs are monitoring his situation closely, ready to activate his clause.
The Saudi interest extends to Fernandes' compatriot Casemiro. The Brazilian defensive midfielder will become a free agent this summer after terminating his Manchester United contract, presenting a cost-effective opportunity to add a player with immense experience and multiple Champions League titles without a transfer fee.
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior has emerged as the most ambitious target. The 23-year-old Brazilian has temporarily suspended contract extension negotiations with the Spanish giants. Al-Ahli has reportedly received significant central funding specifically to pursue this signature, underscoring how highly Saudi officials value his generational potential and marketability.
Vinicius represents the prototype of what the Saudi Pro League aspires to become: a destination for elite young talent at their peak, not merely a final stop for veterans. His electrifying pace, technical brilliance, and massive social media following would provide the league with a cornerstone player for a decade.
Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski also features on the shortlist, offering a different profile as an experienced striker who continues to perform at an elite level. His goal-scoring pedigree and global brand recognition would generate immediate commercial returns while providing mentorship to younger signings.
The Saudi scouting network has cast a wide net across the Premier League. Aston Villa's midfield duo Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana have attracted attention, while Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli is reportedly a genuine target for Al-Nassr. The Brazilian forward's potential arrival would coincide with Arsenal's rumored plans to strengthen their left flank.
This comprehensive approach reflects a nuanced understanding of squad building. By targeting players across different positions, age profiles, and price points, the Saudi Pro League is constructing a sustainable ecosystem rather than assembling a collection of individual stars that lack chemistry.
The financial strategy appears increasingly sophisticated. While the Public Investment Fund provides substantial backing, the focus on release clauses, free agents, and motivated players suggests a more targeted spending approach. The emphasis on peak-age signings also maximizes potential resale value, introducing financial prudence previously absent from Saudi transfers.
The 2034 World Cup serves as both deadline and opportunity. Saudi officials recognize that hosting the tournament provides a unique platform to showcase their domestic league's quality. A successful recruitment campaign would allow them to present a compelling product to billions of viewers, converting casual observers into long-term fans and investors.
The impending retirement of Cristiano Ronaldo has become a catalyst for strategic evolution. His presence validated the Saudi Pro League's ability to attract global superstars, but his eventual departure frees the competition from dependency on a single personality. The 50-player plan represents a declaration of independence, proving the league's ambition to stand on its own merits.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the football world may witness an unprecedented talent redistribution. The Saudi Pro League is positioning itself not as a novelty or retirement home, but as a legitimate destination for elite professionals seeking new challenges and substantial compensation.
The success of this strategy will ultimately be measured in competitive quality and sustainable growth. However, the mere existence of such a comprehensive plan demonstrates that Saudi Arabian football has entered a new era of professionalism and ambition that could fundamentally alter the global game's economic landscape for years to come.