Saudi Pro League Eyes Blockbuster World Cup Star in Quest for Next Cristiano Ronaldo
Reports suggest the Saudi Pro League is preparing a bid for Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembélé as they seek another marquee signing comparable to Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival.
Dembélé currently holds the Ballon d'Or title and, unlike Karim Benzema who moved to Al Ittihad at 35, is still at the peak of his playing years. This bold pursuit of the 28-year-old has entered early discussions according to Sky Sports News. Any potential transfer is likely to wait until France completes their World Cup campaign this summer, though the possibility hasn't been completely dismissed.
The ambitious Pro League made headlines globally by offering Ronaldo the largest contract in world football in December 2022. As that initial group of high-profile signings approach the end of their lucrative agreements, focus has shifted toward recruiting younger talent for the next phase of acquisitions. Dembélé could be a realistic target.
Why Would Ousmane Dembélé Leave PSG?
Why Would Ousmane Dembélé Leave PSG?
Following six mostly difficult years at Barcelona, where his gaming interests received as much attention as his performances on the wing due to frequent injuries that restricted his participation, Dembélé regained the joy that had characterized his play prior to that challenging Catalan experience.
Transformed into an energetic, mobile striker by Luis Enrique, Dembélé earned every major individual honor while becoming the leading goalscorer for a PSG squad that secured a European treble.
Upon reaching his 100th club appearance in October, president Nasser Al Khelaifi playfully expressed hope that he would make 1,000 more. Whether he'll even reach 20 additional games has become uncertain due to recent contract developments.
With two-and-a-half years left on his existing PSG contract, extension discussions are believed to have commenced. Nevertheless, reports indicate disagreements have emerged regarding the personal terms being offered to Dembélé.
Al Khelaifi recently emphasized that no player, regardless of Dembélé's stature, would compel PSG to abandon their rigid salary framework: "The club's approach maintains a wage ceiling for players, as is well known. Everyone must honor it. The team and institution take precedence over any individual."
PSG maintained this position during the summer when they allowed Gianluigi Donnarumma to depart despite his status as the world's premier goalkeeper last season. The Italian's successor, Lucas Chevalier, hasn't matched his predecessor's exceptional standards, but the club appears unwilling to compromise on their strict compensation policies.
How Much Would Ousmane Dembélé Cost?
How Much Would Ousmane Dembélé Cost?
Salary constraints shouldn't pose problems for the Saudi Pro League. Supported by the Kingdom's Public Investment Fund, clubs like Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad or Al Ahli possess the financial capability to assemble a "substantial offer," per SSN.
The specific amounts involved remain unclear.
Despite his elevated status as potentially the world's finest player, at 28 years old with a contract running until 2028, Dembélé isn't considered among the planet's most costly assets. Notably, the World Cup champion wasn't featured in the top 100 most valuable players globally according to the CIES Football Observatory's analytical framework.
Transfermarkt compiles estimates from thousands of supporters and values Dembélé at €100 million ($119.6 million). Though this approach may appear less rigorous, multiple professional teams have formally referenced the platform created by a Werder Bremen supporter in 2000 within their financial documentation.
If Dembélé attracts a nine-figure transfer fee, he would make history as the first player to command over €100 million in two different moves. Appropriately, Ronaldo comes nearest to achieving this exceptional milestone, having joined Real Madrid for €94 million in 2009 before departing the Spanish club for Juventus at €100 million nine years afterward.