Mohamed Salah & Kevin De Bruyne top Saudi Pro League transfer wishlist

Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne have been earmarked as the joint-top targets for the Saudi Pro League this summer,   understands.

After following the acquisition of Cristiano Ronaldo with big-money moves for the likes of Neymar, Fabinho and Karim Benzema last summer, Saudi dealmakers are once again plotting to try and lure some of Europe's biggest names over to the Middle East.

A list of close to 100 possible options exists with 20 primary or 'elite' targets, and Saudi officials are hopeful of convincing close to half of those top-tier candidates to make the move. It was also the same approach in summer 2023.

Right at the top of the wish list are Salah and De Bruyne, who  understands have been highlighted as the joint-top targets for the division.

There is a belief inside Saudi Arabia that Salah would be open to a move to the country at some point. A fresh approach will be made for the Liverpool star this summer as he approaches the final year of his contract but it is not yet clear whether he would entertain a departure from Anfield this summer, with a decision on a new deal expected to be made later this year.

As for De Bruyne, the Manchester City playmaker's representatives are yet to give any indication of his interest in moving to Saudi Arabia.

City are keen to tie De Bruyne down to a new contract — his deal also runs until 2025 — and manager Pep Guardiola has publicly admitted his desire to continue working with the Belgian.

«It's a question for him, I'd love him to stay but I don't know,» Guardiola said recently. «I heard some links but I don't know if there's an offer, I don't know if Saudi Arabia wants him. I would love him to stay until the end of his career, but everyone is everyone.»

City would demand a total