Saudi Arabia Targets Chelsea Players in Ambitious Transfer Move
Saudi Arabia has set its sights on Chelsea Football Club, identifying seven players it wants to bring to the Middle East. The London club, currently undergoing a rebuilding process, is facing the challenge of managing a bloated squad following significant spending since Todd Boehly’s takeover.
The seven players who could potentially leave Stamford Bridge are N’Golo Kanté, Hakim Ziyech, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Romelu Lukaku.
N’Golo Kanté, a two-time Premier League winner, has already confirmed his move to Saudi Arabia. The French midfielder signed a lucrative contract with Al-Ittihad on a free transfer as his contract with Chelsea came to an end. Kanté is set to earn a staggering £86 million per year, with his contract running for four years.
Hakim Ziyech, a Moroccan winger, has found a new start at Al-Nassr, a team that boasts Cristiano Ronaldo among its ranks. Ziyech made just nine starts for Chelsea last season, and Al-Nassr is reportedly paying £8 million for his services, a significant decrease compared to the £33 million Chelsea paid for him.
Kalidou Koulibaly, a Senegalese defender who joined Chelsea last summer, has also attracted interest from Saudi clubs. Despite a challenging first season at the club, Koulibaly has been offered a lucrative contract by Al-Hilal. The team is also close to signing Ruben Neves, a star player from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, a striker who has struggled since his return to the Premier League after his time at Barcelona, is also on the radar of Saudi clubs. Al-Nassr has shown interest in him since January 2022, and there are rumors that Barcelona is also keen on bringing him back.
Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is set to end his stay at Stamford Bridge and sign a three-year deal with Al-Ahli. Despite a promising start at the club, Mendy’s involvement dropped significantly last season, leading to his potential move to Saudi Arabia.
Callum Hudson-Odoi, a young player at just 22 years old, is also considering a fresh start in his career. After a discreet loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen, several Saudi clubs have expressed interest in acquiring his services.
Romelu Lukaku, who returned to Chelsea after a disappointing campaign on his debut, has been loaned to Inter Milan. While Inter is interested in negotiating another loan deal, Lukaku is currently unwilling to switch to Saudi Arabia, preferring to remain in Europe.
Saudi Arabian clubs are investing heavily in European talent, and Chelsea’s players have become prime targets. The potential departures of these seven players would significantly impact the London club’s squad dynamics and provide an opportunity for them to rebuild and streamline their team.
How does Al-Nassr’s acquisition of Ziyech and Al-Nasr’s interest in Mendy and Lukaku reflect Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in the football world?
A strong presence in Saudi Arabia’s football scene. Ziyech joined Chelsea in 2020 but struggled to find consistent playing time under multiple managers. The move to Al-Nassr provides him with an opportunity to reignite his career and showcase his skills in a new environment.
Kalidou Koulibaly, a highly regarded Senegalese defender, has attracted interest from multiple clubs around the world. Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal has expressed its desire to bring him on board, seeing him as a key addition to their defensive line. Koulibaly’s physicality and expertise in the backline make him an attractive prospect for any team looking to bolster its defense.
Edouard Mendy, Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper, is also on Saudi Arabia’s radar. Al-Nasr has identified him as a potential upgrade to their current options between the sticks. Mendy’s excellent shot-stopping abilities and commanding presence in the penalty area have made him one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League, making him a valuable target for any ambitious club.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Arsenal’s captain and prolific forward, could be on the move as well. Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli has emerged as a potential destination for the Gabonese international. Aubameyang’s speed, agility, and lethal finishing ability have made him a nightmare for defenders throughout his career, and his potential arrival would undoubtedly elevate Al-Ahli’s attacking prowess.
Callum Hudson-Odoi, a promising young English winger, may also be looking for a fresh start elsewhere. Al-Shabab has expressed interest in securing his services, recognizing his immense potential and versatility on the pitch. Hudson-Odoi’s explosive pace, dribbling skills, and creativity have made him a highly sought-after talent, and a move to Saudi Arabia could provide him with the platform to flourish.
Lastly, Romelu Lukaku, an established Belgian striker, has caught the eye of several clubs, including Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr. Lukaku’s strength, clinical finishing, and intelligent movement in the final third have made him one of Europe’s most prolific goal-scorers. His potential move would undoubtedly be a groundbreaking transfer, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s ambition to attract top-tier talents.
Saudi Arabia’s interest in these Chelsea players showcases the nation’s growing presence and ambition in the football world. With significant financial resources and a desire to compete at the highest level, Saudi clubs are setting their sights on top talents from across the globe. As they continue to make ambitious moves in the transfer market, their influence in the footballing landscape is only likely to grow.
It would be interesting to see how Saudi Arabia’s interest in these Chelsea players plays out. However, it raises questions about the impact on the team’s dynamics and the rationale behind such potential transfers.
“Saudi Arabia’s interest in pursuing some of Chelsea’s top talents is a testament to the growing ambition of their football scene. However, it remains to be seen whether these coveted players, such as Kanté, Ziyech, and Koulibaly, would be keen on relocating to the Middle East. The allure of challengers for trophies and prestigious competitions may ultimately decide their fate.”