Expanding Saudi League Targets French and Premier League Stars

Ngolo Kanté Signs with Al-Ittihad as Saudi League’s Offensive Continues

In a surprising move, Ngolo Kanté has signed with Al-Ittihad, where he will play alongside his compatriot Karim Benzema. The two Frenchmen have decided to follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, the Saudi League’s first star signing. And it seems that they won’t be the last to set sail for the Gulf, as the Saudi championship aims to hit hard and match its ambitions.

Recent rumors suggest that three other 30-somethings from Chelsea are also on the Saudi League’s radar. According to transfer window expert Fabricius Roman, Khalidou Koulibaly is being offered a three-year contract at Al-Hilal. Meanwhile, Judge Ziyech could potentially net the Blues €40m if he accepts Al-Nassr’s offer. Edward Mendy, the goalkeeper, is also attracting interest from Al-Ahli. Additionally, Callum Hudson-Odoi could be part of the London-Riyadh flight. This operation, known as “degreasing,” would benefit the club in terms of financial fair play.

But it’s not just Chelsea players who are being targeted. Marcelo Brozovic from Inter and Thomas Partey from Arsenal are also reportedly in contact with Saudi clubs. The leaders of the Saudi championship have made it clear that their goal is to attract as many stars as possible. AFP recently suggested that a list of ten players had been drawn up, including high-profile names like Luke Modric, Hugo Lloris, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Roberto Firmino.

Negotiations are accelerating as the objective is to finalize most deals before the start of the next season on August 11. The Saudi League aims to put together a very competitive championship, hence the urgency in securing top players.

However, not all attempts to attract players have been successful. Despite the petrodollars on offer, Lionel Messi preferred to join MLS, while Romelu Lukaku still gives preference to Inter and Europe despite a lucrative contract worth 25 million euros per year.

Nevertheless, the Saudi League has established itself as a new player in the market within a few months. Even the wealthy Premier League and other championships will have to take this into account as the Saudi League’s offensive continues to make waves in the football world.

How has the signing of Ngolo Kanté by Al-Ittihad impacted the perception of the Saudi League?

Udi League’s offensive in the football transfer market continues.

Ngolo Kanté, known for his exceptional defensive skills and tireless work rate, has made the unexpected decision to join Al-Ittihad. The French midfielder will now join forces with his fellow countryman Karim Benzema, adding a significant boost to the team’s roster.

This move follows the path set by Cristiano Ronaldo, who made headlines as the first major signing for the Saudi League. Ronaldo’s arrival sparked a wave of interest and attention towards the league, and it seems like more high-profile players are considering a move to the Gulf region.

The Saudi League has been making significant efforts to attract more global attention and establish itself as a prominent footballing destination. They have invested heavily in infrastructure and facilities, ensuring that they can provide an environment conducive to top-level football. Additionally, the league has also been working on building robust financial incentives to entice players and clubs.

The signing of Ngolo Kanté further validates the growing appeal of the Saudi League. Kanté, who has been a key player for both Chelsea and the French national team, is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world. His decision to join Al-Ittihad demonstrates the league’s increasing capacity to attract top talent.

It remains to be seen who will be the next player to make the move to Saudi Arabia. With Al-Ittihad’s recent acquisition of Kanté and Benzema, it is evident that the league’s ambition knows no bounds.