Following Cristiano Ronaldo's big-money arrival in the Middle East, the Saudi Pro League has been linked with three more high-profile players who are among the highest-earning stars in their respective leagues.
Al Nassr Head Coach Expects Ronaldo Exit
According to Sky Sports News, football officials in Saudi Arabia are motivated to continue targeting big-name footballers in the wake of Ronaldo's arrival at Al Nassr earlier this month.
Long-time rival of the Portugal captain, Lionel Messi, remains a target for the league despite rumours in France suggesting that the 35-year-old will discuss terms over a new deal at Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi's current contract in Paris expires at the end of the season, but he is reportedly edging closer to committing to a new deal in Ligue 1, as per several publications across Europe.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has already agreed to become an ambassador for the Middle Eastern nation's bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the country believes will have been strengthened by Ronaldo's free-agent switch to Al Nassr.
It is further claimed that Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne are also potential future targets.
Former City chief Gary Cook, who was the key negotiator in Abu Dhabi's takeover of the Citizens in 2007, has been appointed as the new executive president and CEO of the Saudi Pro League.
Al Nassr Coach Reacts To Ronaldo Miss In Cup Defeat
Cook was also responsible for the English giants signing the likes of Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez, proving in the past he has been able to attract high-profile players to projects he was involved in.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments
WATCH VIDEO:
