Saudi League Prepares New Stars: Who Will Replace Ronaldo.

Saudi Arabia Targets New Stars

According to The Sun: Bruno Fernandes and Harry Kane have topped the list of desired transfer targets for the Saudi Pro League team, as officials prepare for a new era following Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo's contract with Al Nassr runs until 2027, and the management values plans for new major signings to boost the league's popularity. Fernandes and Kane are seen as key targets.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes turned down an offer from Saudi Arabia last summer alt='Harry Kane celebrating a goal with Bayern Munich' class='alignnone size-thesun-article-image wp-image-36846593' width='960' height='640' /> Harry Kane is another player they are targeting Getty

According to SunSport, last summer the Manchester United captain rejected a £700,000-per-week offer from Al Hilal. According to TalkSport, he has not closed the door on a possible move in the future, stating that he will not leave the club until the 2026 World Cup.

But Fernandes is not the only Portuguese player being pursued by Saudi Arabia. Bernardo Silva is also on the list of potential signings – his deal with Manchester City expires next summer.

Silva had already received an offer from Saudi Arabia in 2023 when Al Hilal offered £500,000 per week and £2 million for signing, but he decided to stay in Manchester.

This choice, in particular, stems from the desire to play in the 2026 World Cup, but interest in him remains: Al Ahli and Al Qadsiah are actively pursuing him.

Searching for New Icons

With Ronaldo set to celebrate his 40th birthday in 2025 and his contract ending in two years, officials of the Saudi Pro League are eager to find new faces to support the global popularity he helped create.

Sources report that officials are trying to convince Silva to sign a four-year contract to align with the league's television rights that run until 2029 and have already secured a 20% increase in revenue.

This summer, Saudi clubs spent over £1.5 billion on new players, salaries, and fees. However, many top players turned down moves, fearing negative momentum ahead of the World Cup in North America.

src=' alt='Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating a goal for Al Nassr.' class='alignnone size-thesun-article-image wp-image-36824129' width='960' height='663' /> Reuters

Currently, Darwin Nunez has joined Al Hilal for £46 million, while players like Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko have not seized the opportunity. Fernandes could have moved to Al Ittihad, but the club could not find a place for another foreign player.

Despite a cautious approach, a new wave of spending is expected in 2026, as Saudi Arabia seeks to attract elite players to enhance the league's global appeal.

Al Ahli, reigning Asian champions, are preparing a record offer for Vinicius Junior in an attempt to lure the Brazilian from Real.

Additionally, young talents like Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest and Andrii Santos from Chelsea are also in the spotlight.

As the era of Ronaldo comes to an end, the Saudi Pro League is ready for renewal, with Fernandes and Kane remaining in focus.

Attracting new stars to the team will be an important step in boosting the league's popularity on the international stage. Saudi clubs, actively working on new transfers, hope this will enhance not only the level of play but also the global recognition of their championship.