The Saudi Pro League’s relentless pursuit of elite European talent shows no signs of slowing down. With hopes of landing Manchester City’s midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne fading, several top clubs in the league are now turning their attention to other Etihad stars in a bid to bolster their squads. De Bruyne, long admired for his vision, passing range, and leadership, has reportedly cooled on the idea of a move to the Middle East, with recent statements hinting at a desire to remain in Europe for at least another season.
As a result, Saudi clubs are now recalibrating their strategy, targeting other Manchester City players who may be open to a change of scenery and the lucrative packages on offer. Names like Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez, and even Kalvin Phillips — who struggled for minutes under Pep Guardiola — have emerged as possible candidates. This shift in focus highlights the league’s determination to attract high-profile names to enhance its global profile and competitive stature.
While the prospect of landing De Bruyne would have been a marquee signing for the Saudi league, the pursuit of his teammates still underscores the ambition and financial muscle behind this broader project. Whether the next Manchester City star decides to make the leap remains to be seen, but one thing is clear — the Saudi Pro League is not backing down in its quest to become a major force in world football.
