According to the Guardian, Saudi Arabia’s football chiefs are set to launch an ambitious approach for Liverpool’s star goalkeeper, Alisson.
The gulf state are keen to build on last season’s summer transfer bonanza with more high-profile deals for Europe’s best players.
Alisson Liverpool transfer: Could the Brazil number one leave this summer?
According to the Guardian’s reports, the 31-year-old is very happy on Merseyside, and is not looking to leave. However, there are a couple of ways a move could come about.
Firstly, players have been earning generational-wealth level wages in Saudi Arabia. Alisson’s former teammate, Sadio Mane, for example, is reportedly earning £685,000 per week at Al Nassr. Alisson could not be blamed for having his head-turned by such colossal wealth.
Secondly, Liverpool have come to the end of the Jurgen Klopp era. The Reds may need a season of rebuilding to get back to challenging for the top honours. Alisson may feel his time at Anfield has come to a natural close.
Furthermore, if a Saudi Pro League club offered Liverpool a huge sum that could be reinvested into the squad, they could also be tempted to follow the money.
On the other hand, Alisson will surely be aware of the complaints of some of last season’s Saudi transfers. Aymeric Laporte, for example, said “many are discontented” with life in the Pro League, with cultural differences, lower quality of competition and isolation from their peers among their objections.
Who are the other Saudi Pro League targets?
A clutch of top Premier League pros are targets for Saudi clubs this summer, who have reportedly been given £2 billion to spend.
Alisson’s Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah is a long term target, and Al-Ittihad bid £150 million for him last summer.
Manchester United pair Raphael Varane and Casemiro are also being eyed, with the latter looking likely, as his Old Trafford departure was recently announced.
At Arsenal, injury-prone pair Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey continue to be linked with lucrative moves to Saudi Arabia.
Perhaps the most ambitious move mooted however, is a proposed approach for Kevin de Bruyne.
