Saudi Arabia’s transfer machine isn’t slowing down. Joao Felix is the league’s latest snag. It appears you can add Darwin Nunez, too. He looks set to leave Merseyside for Riyadh’s Al Hilal.

After landing Cristiano Ronaldo in late 2022 and spending over a billion dollars during the 2023-24 window, the Saudi Pro League remains a key player in the global transfer market. With the Public Investment Fund (PIF) still pulling the strings for four major clubs,Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli,attention has turned to a fresh crop of world-class targets.

Here are the biggest names currently linked with Saudi moves, what we know about their status, and how likely they are to follow in the footsteps of Ronaldo, Benzema, and Neymar.

Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli)

Scratch him off the list—for now. The Belgian midfielder signed with Napoli in July 2025, ending speculation of an immediate Saudi move. Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr had explored a deal, but Napoli’s Serie A project ultimately won out. That said, if De Bruyne continues to age like fine wine, a late-career move to the Pro League remains a possibility.

Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)

With Barcelona looking to shed wages and Lewandowski entering the final year of his deal, Saudi clubs have circled. Reports indicate that he’s not requested a move (yet) but has asked the club not to block serious offers. Al-Nassr, looking for a Ronaldo successor, could emerge as a leading destination.

Son Heung-min (Tottenham)

Son appears headed west, not east. Reports in late July 2025 confirm he’s in advanced talks with Major League Soccer over a marquee move. While Saudi clubs have long targeted him as a regional marketing bonanza, the offer now looks likeliest.

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Al-Hilal made an offer in June 2025, which Fernandes turned down. United would consider a sale north of $130 million amid internal reshuffling under new manager Rúbén Amorim. The player has said he won’t leave unless pushed out, but that door may be creaking open.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Despite previous offers, Salah signed a two-year extension with Liverpool in April 2025. This effectively rules him out, though Al-Ittihad made a serious push. Unless things change dramatically in 2026, Salah appears committed to Anfield.

Ederson (Manchester City)

Talks are ongoing between Ederson’s camp and Al-Ittihad. The Brazilian shot-stopper turned down a Saudi move in 2024, but with one year left on his contract, the deal could go through. City are allegedly open to the sale.

Darwin Núñez (Liverpool)

Núñez has not lived up to expectations at Anfield, and with Luis Díaz now officially signed by Bayern Munich in July 2025, he may become the next major departure. He’s certainly one of five Liverpool players Saudi scouts are watching closely.

Update: Deal’s a deal. Darwin is on his way to Riyadh for €53M + add-ons.

Andre Onana & Casemiro (Manchester United)

United have reportedly offered Onana to Saudi clubs, according to rumors. Amorim does not see him as part of next season’s plan. Casemiro, meanwhile, has been linked since 2023, but most recent reports say he will stay at United this season.

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

PIF still dreams of a Messi move. Some speculate that if he doesn’t extend his deal with Inter Miami, a “long-shot” Saudi bid could be revived. The speculation intensified after Messi and Inter Miami exited the 2025 Club earlier than expected, raising questions about what comes next. For now, the GOAT is focused on MLS and preparing for the 2026 World Cup, but don’t rule anything out.