Saudi Pro League still hoping to tempt superstars Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne and Darwin Nunez as head of scouting speaks out on transfer strategy

Manchester City’s veteran playmaker De Bruyne is set to call time on his illustrious spell at the Etihad Stadium when his contract expires this summer. This development has intensified interest from Saudi clubs looking to bring the decorated midfielder to the Middle East as part of their continued push for international recognition.

Liverpool forward Nunez is another target reportedly under consideration. Despite flashes of brilliance, the Uruguayan striker has struggled to consistently find the back of the net during this campaign, scoring only seven goals under the leadership of new manager Arne Slot. This inconsistency has raised questions about his long-term future at Anfield, prompting Saudi clubs to closely monitor his situation with a view to a potential move. Whereas, Salah's contract is also set to expire in the summer and the Reds are yet to tie him down to a new deal.

Speaking on The Overlap, Thomas Spring, Head of Scouting in the Saudi Pro League, said: "I think that the recruitment model will be a healthy balance between elite, world-class players. So I still envisage a Mo Salah, a De Bruyne, a Darwin Nunez. I still envisage those players coming across.

"But I also envisage more emerging players like a Jhon Duran, for example, I see more younger players that are really operating successfully in leagues around Europe coming across. And that healthy balance being there."

Spring added that the broader goal of the Saudi Pro League is to rise to the level of Europe’s top-five leagues.

"Then I also envisage that the ambition will still be there," he added. "So the goal of the SPL is to compete with Europe's top-five leagues. So whatever method to achieve that, whether that's staffing or facilities or player recruitment, medical, discipline, I envisage they will invest heavily into that. To come on par with Europe's top-five leagues."

The pursuit of Salah remains a top priority for the SPL, although recent developments may cool Saudi hopes. While there has been persistent speculation about a potential move to the Gulf, it now appears increasingly likely that the Egyptian superstar will remain in Europe. Reports indicate that Salah is nearing a new contract agreement with Liverpool, which would keep him at the club for two more years. If finalized, this extension would cement his commitment to the Reds beyond his current deal, which was set to expire this summer.

By targeting young, promising players along with the superstars and improving infrastructure, the Saudi Pro League hopes to not just attract attention, but earn long-term respect and competitiveness alongside Europe’s top five leagues. As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on whether the SPL can translate its ambition into more headline-grabbing signings—or if European giants will succeed in holding on to their stars.