Luka Modric and Hugo Lloris are among over 10 prominent players, including Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema, who the Saudi Arabian football authorities plan to bring to the Middle East.
The Saudi Pro League aims to recruit seasoned winners of the World Cup and the Champions League, such as Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, N’Golo Kante, Angel Di Maria, and Roberto Firmino, as reported by AFP.
As per sources and reports, Saudi officials are currently in Paris and Madrid, engaging in negotiations to finalize deals with Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema. These agreements would enable them to join Cristiano Ronaldo in the wealthy kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In their efforts to strengthen the Saudi league for the upcoming season, the authorities have been in contact with more than 10 players, many of whom have achieved success in the World Cup or the Champions League, as revealed by a source familiar with the negotiations.
The aforementioned list of players not only features Lionel Messi but also includes Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos, Angel Di Maria, Luka Modric, Hugo Lloris, N’Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets.
According to a source, apart from receiving highly lucrative offers, these players will have the opportunity to compete in a highly challenging league. The Saudi authorities have set a goal to finalize most of these deals before the start of the new season on August 11.
A Saudi government official confirmed that negotiations are underway with world-class players.
“The aim is to create a highly robust and competitive league that will enhance the performance of Saudi clubs,” stated the official.
It is worth noting that all the players mentioned are renowned stars approaching the latter stages of their careers. Except for Hugo Lloris, the French goalkeeper with one year remaining on his contract with Tottenham Hotspur, all the players are free agents as their contracts expire this month.
Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is 37 years old and holds a de facto position of power, Saudi Arabia is actively working towards improving its conservative image and attracting tourists and investments, partly through sports.
The world’s largest oil exporter has made significant financial investments in sports agreements, which encompass the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, involvement in Formula One, and support for the controversial LIV Golf tour.
These actions have often led to accusations of “sportswashing,” suggesting that the country is attempting to improve its human rights reputation through its involvement in sports.