Saudi Arabia Strikes Again: Vinícius, Salah and Casemiro on the Radar
Summer is approaching and Saudi football is sharpening its checkbook. Three elite names top the agenda… and all of them play at the highest level in Europe.
The Saudi summer plan is underway
Although the Saudi Arabian winter transfer window opened on January 5 and will close on February 2, the biggest moves are being reserved for the summer. That is according to The Telegraph, which reports that Saudi clubs are planning a major offensive once the European season comes to an end.
The strategy is clear: several players in the Saudi league are out of contract at the end of the season, and the goal is to replace those departures with new global superstars, boosting both the sporting level and the league’s international profile.
Vinícius and Salah, the ultimate dream targets
Among the headline names are Vinícius Jr., star of Real Madrid, and Mohamed Salah, icon of Liverpool. Both players are under contract until 2027, making any deal extremely complex — though not impossible from a financial standpoint.
In Salah’s case, his symbolic importance in the Arab world makes him a priority target. Despite recent tensions with Liverpool and Arne Slot, the Egyptian renewed his contract in 2025 and remains, for now, at Anfield. Still, as in previous summers, Saudi football is expected to go all-in once again.
Casemiro, the most realistic option
The most achievable deal at this stage appears to be Casemiro. The 33-year-old Brazilian has already confirmed that he will leave Manchester United at the end of the season, becoming a free agent in June.
Al Ittihad have previously shown interest in the former Real Madrid midfielder and could reignite talks. In Saudi Arabia, Casemiro would join Karim Benzema and Fabinho, working under Sérgio Conceição, in an ideal sporting and financial environment to close out his elite career.
The PIF, the engine behind the market
Behind this aggressive strategy stands the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), determined to continue attracting world-class talent. The objective is not purely sporting, but also strategic: keeping the Saudi Pro League positioned as a globally attractive destination.
Vinícius, Salah and Casemiro represent different profiles, but send the same message: Saudi Arabia has no intention of slowing down. Summer is coming… and the transfer market is set for another seismic shake-up.
