The Saudi Pro League is setting its sights on a blockbuster summer transfer for Ousmane dembele, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner. Preliminary inquiries are already underway to bring the Paris Saint-Germain star to Saudi Arabia in 2026, signaling the league’s continued ambition to attract global footballing talent.
A substantial offer is being prepared to entice the French international following this summer’s World Cup, anticipating a busy period of player movement in the Middle East. This move represents the next phase of investment for the Saudi Pro league, as the initial wave of high-profile signings begins to settle.
As the first cycle of major investments in the Saudi Pro League concludes with several international stars nearing the end of their contracts, the league is now focused on securing the next generation of top players.
Sources close to Dembele indicate he remains fully committed to PSG this season, prioritizing success in the Champions League and French league, as well as his duties with the French national team at the upcoming World Cup.However, his long-term future coudl see him consider a move to Saudi Arabia.
Dembele, contributing to their historic treble-winning campaign, including their first Champions League title. He scored 35 goals and provided 14 assists in 53 appearances last season, and has a total of 49 goals in 115 appearances since joining PSG from Barcelona for £43m in 2023.
Can Saudi pull off their biggest move since CR7?
According to one analyst,a potential move for Dembele would represent the Saudi Pro League’s most significant transfer since the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo. The league anticipates a dynamic summer transfer window, with Dembele identified as a key target.
“If this happens, it would be the biggest deal for Saudi Arabia since they signed Cristiano Ronaldo,” the analyst stated. “The Saudi Pro League clubs are anticipating a big summer transfer window and one of the players they are looking to sign is Ousmane Dembele.”
The landscape of Saudi football is evolving, moving beyond state-backed funding towards increased private investment. “For a long time, the clubs were effectively bankrolled and controlled by the state. Then we had the situation where some of the biggest clubs were owned by the Sovereign Wealth Fund,” the analyst explained. “Now we’re in the situation where clubs are opening up and attracting private investment. So it’s not just the case of Saudi state money being invested in these clubs and big-name transfers, it’s also private investors who will be using their own money to try and sign players.”
While a transfer is not guaranteed,the analyst acknowledged the possibility,stating,”They may well try and sign him,but whether he would want to go to Saudi Arabia when he’s at the peak of his powers remain to be seen.”
