How new Saudi Pro League rules could have huge Liverpool transfer implications

Liverpool will no doubt be bracing itself for another attempted raid from Saudi Arabia this summer. One rule change in the Pro League means the Reds’ stars will almost certainly be of interest once again.

The Anfield club had to stand strong against a sensational offer from Al-Ittihad for Mohamed Salah last summer, with the Saudi side bidding $190m (£150m/€175m) for the Egyptian’s services. The offer came after Jordan Henderson and Fabinho had already made the move to the Middle East.

Salah will almost certainly attract more interest in the coming months, and he might not be the only one. According to The Guardian, both he and Alisson Becker are among the Premier League players being targeted as the Pro League looks to increase its profile.

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Salah is described as an ‘obvious target’, while Alisson is said to be of interest to several Saudi clubs as two of the leading targets in their latest spending spree. Manchester United duo Casemiro and Raphaël Varane are also touted as potential targets, with the latter confirmed to be leaving the Old Trafford club this summer.

Saudi clubs certainly have no issue raising funds to lure big names to the Middle East, but they have been limited in the number of foreign signings they’ve been able to make. That hurdle though has been made a little easier this year.

The quota for foreign players joining Saudi clubs has been extended from eight to 10 for next season, giving them more freedom to target big names. They could be helped further by plans to attract sponsorship from private businesses for teams not backed by the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Despite his links to Saudi Arabia, and his contract entering its final year this summer, Liverpool is said to be planning for next season with Salah on board. Meanwhile, Alisson’s deal at Anfield runs until 2027, with no indication that the club will look to sell the Brazilian.

Liverpool.com says: You can almost guarantee Saudi clubs will step up their efforts for Salah this summer. As the highest-profile player to come from the Middle East region, his signing would be a huge coup for the Pro League.

The increase on the quota of foreign players means there will be plenty of other Premier League players being targeted. With some of those teams looking to balance the books amid Profit and Sustainability rules, there could be another raft of stars making their way over this summer.