The dust has barely settled on the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia. However, the whispers of another extravaganza are already swirling in the desert air. Rumors of yet another wave of superstars poised to follow Ronaldo’s footsteps. On the other hand, despite the allure of petrodollars, stars like Jordan Henderson and Roberto Firmino are eyeing a shock exit from the Gulf kingdom. However, Saudi clubs will be gearing up to make waves again in the 2024 transfer window.

The question now is: who will be the next big name to grace the pitches of Saudi Arabia? Let’s find out the top five players that could be making the switch this year to Saudi.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has long enjoyed a near-mythical status on Merseyside. Loyalties between the player and the club might be unwavering currently. But, with Al-Ittihad’s relentless pursuit and a rumored record £200m bid on the horizon, it’ll be interesting to see if Salah could resist the allure of the Middle East. As the transfer window unfolds, the Reds could be persuaded into letting their Egyptian king leave so that they can reinvest the money elsewhere.

Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

With an illustrious trophy-laden career at Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne has achieved it all at the club level. However, whispers of a twilight move to Al-Nassr refuse to shut down. Al-Nassr, with the prolific Cristiano Ronaldo at the helm, aims to add the 32-year-old Belgian playmaker to their ranks. While a January move seems unlikely, fans will be waiting to see De Bruyne’s next stance on this transfer speculation.

Casemiro (Manchester United)

The Brazilian star, one of the highest earners at Old Trafford, may face an early exit in January to free up the wage bill for new arrivals. Casemiro’s form has dipped lately, clubbed with his injury struggles. His ability to cover ground in ten Hag’s system has also been questioned. Several Saudi clubs have expressed their interest in the Brazilian, and a move to the Gulf kingdom might be on the cards. Al-Ahly, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ettifaq remain interested in Casemiro.

Thomas Partey (Arsenal)

Thomas Partey’s importance at Arsenal has diminished since the arrival of Declan Rice in the summer. Although the Ghanaian international played a pivotal role for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal last season, he was pushed into an unfamiliar role this season. Thomas Partey rejected offers from a couple of Saudi Pro League clubs in the summer. However, with his current squad situation with the Gunners, Partey might consider a move to the Middle East. A January escape is likely, as it could offer the player a chance to rediscover his lost form and while doing so, some prominence.

Raphael Varane (Manchester United)

From ownership woes to disappointing results, Manchester United is a club in chaos. Amidst this chaos, former Real Madrid star Raphael Varane has found himself adrift. A surprising partnership of Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans have swallowed his spot in the defense lately, and he has been on fringes with ten Hag. Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al-Nassr has offered their hand to the French international, and it has become a prominent source of speculation now. Will Varane embrace the opportunity of a reunion with Ronaldo?

With some big names in the hat, the journey of these stars alongside Cristiano Ronaldo may once again redefine the soccer narrative in Saudi Arabia.

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