
Man Utd receive 'concrete offer' for exiled star currently part of club's bomb squad
Manchester United are eager to offload unwanted players before the start of the new season and have received a new offer for one outcast.
The Saudi Pro League (SPL), also known as the Roshn Saudi League for sponsorship reasons, is the top professional football league in Saudi Arabia, recognized as the premier football competition in Asia. Established in 1976, it features 18 clubs competing in a round-robin format from August to May, with the champion earning a title and qualification for the AFC Champions League Elite, while the bottom three teams face relegation. The league has a rich history, evolving from regional tournaments and the King’s Cup to a fully professional system since 2007, with Al-Hilal holding a record 19 titles.
Since 2023, the SPL has gained global attention due to significant investments from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which acquired 75% stakes in top clubs Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative. This financial backing has attracted world-class stars, starting with **Cristiano Ronaldo**, whose 2023 move to Al-Nassr sparked a “revolution” in Asian football. Other prominent players include **Neymar** (Al-Hilal), **Karim Benzema** (Al-Ittihad), **Sadio Mané** (Al-Nassr), **Riyad Mahrez** (Al-Ahli), **N’Golo Kanté** (Al-Ittihad), **Rúben Neves** (Al-Hilal), and **Allan Saint-Maximin** (Al-Ahli), significantly boosting the league’s profile.
The 2024-25 season saw Al-Ittihad as the reigning champions, with Al-Hilal dominating historically. Recent highlights include Al-Hilal’s unbeaten 2023-24 season and Ronaldo’s record-breaking 35 goals, earning him the Golden Boot. The league recorded 909 goals in 2023-24, a 40% increase from the previous season, reflecting its growing competitiveness. However, challenges remain, such as concerns over the league’s two-tier structure due to uneven investment and the reliance on veteran stars, with some like Benzema facing speculation about potential exits.
With passionate fan support, vibrant tifos, and increasing global broadcasts, the SPL aims to be among the world’s top leagues by 2030, leveraging its star power and infrastructure development ahead of the 2034 World Cup.
Manchester United are eager to offload unwanted players before the start of the new season and have received a new offer for one outcast.
Cristiano Ronaldo's former Manchester United coach, Rene Meulensteen, believes the Portuguese GOAT can savour World Cup glory in 2026.
Manchester United forward Antony's future remains uncertain but a move back to Real Betis looks unlikely currently.
Liverpool may have found a way of funding a move for Alexander Isak, with Darwin Nunez reportedly attracting more interest from the Saudi Pro League.
Luke Shaw is reportedly ready to quit Manchester United over fears regarding his game time, with a transfer to Saudi Arabia being considered.
Chelsea and Manchester United have reportedly ruled themselves out of the transfer race for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak that Liverpool lead.
Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez could reportedly be 'tempted' to move to Saudi Arabia amid Manchester United's stalling efforts to sign him.
MLS is in a “healthy” state and can survive without Lionel Messi, says Terry Phelan, but the Saudi Pro League does remain a problem.
Liverpool are still keeping tabs on Alexander Isak despite signing Hugo Ekitike, with the Newcastle United striker keen to leave St James’ Park. The Reds remain interested in a potential £130 million ($176m) move, but will only act if the Magpies soften their stance and Luis Diaz departs. Despite reports, it is now reported that Isak is not currently in talks with Al-Hilal.