The rise in prominence of the Saudi Pro League means there are two transfer deadlines to now take into consideration.
While the windows of Europe’s top five leagues draw to a close on Friday 1 September, enriched Saudi clubs, who have more than made their mark this summer, have another six days to conclude their business before the Saudi Pro League window shuts.
The added Middle Eastern influence has made for enthralling viewing this summer, but the summer transfer deadline hasn’t arrived just yet.
It’s been a long summer, yet the final few hours is typically when much of the magic happens. Here are six big deals that could still go through in this transfer window.
After losing last season’s leading scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic to the Saudi Pro League, Fulham now risk parting ways with their best player with Bayern Munich hoping to wrap up a deal for Joao Palhinha.
Palhinha emerged as the Premier League’s most proficient ball-winner during his debut season in west London and his stellar campaign caught the eye of many clubs, including West Ham, who saw the Portugal international as a potential replacement for Declan Rice.
Fulham’s lofty asking price deterred the Hammers, but there’s a very serious chance he departs for Bavaria after Bayern made their interest known. Palhinha has started the new campaign in a similar vein to the last, and losing him would be a monumental blow for Marco Silva.
Al Ittihad have already fished in the River Mersey this summer as they signed Fabinho, and now they’re looking to catch Liverpool’s biggest fish.
The Saudis are obsessed with the idea of acquiring the Arab world’s most influential footballer, with Al Ittihad willing to make a bid in excess of £120m to tempt Liverpool into selling Salah.
The Reds, though, will surely not let such a significant figure depart at such a late stage in the window, even if they’d be garnering a massive sum for the 31-year-old.
Saudi clubs do have time on their hands, however, with their transfer deadline not arriving until 20 September.
Amrabat has relentlessly been linked with a move away this summer, with a whole host of clubs, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool, linked with the Morocco international.
Man Utd’s interest in Amrabat is long-standing and his prestige is at an all-time high following his superb 2022 World Cup campaign and excellent season with Fiorentina, who were beaten in two cup finals.
The destroyer of a midfielder is almost certain to depart Florence before the window slams shut, with United finally earmarking the 27-year-old as their priority target in the final days of the window. However, the Red Devils’ Financial Fair Play constraints mean Amrabat is likely to join the club on an initial loan deal.
Oh, Joao.
Once tagged as one of the finest talents of his generation, Felix has lost his way since his big-money move to Atletico Madrid. While there were flashes of his obvious talent, he never quite saw eye-to-eye with Diego Simeone, who was happy to loan the Portugal international out to Chelsea for the second half of last season.
Felix is back with Atleti but his days in the Spanish capital are numbered, Jeered by his own supporters after declaring his desire to join Barcelona, it’s clear that Felix has no future with Los Rojiblancos. However, the young playmaker is now reliant on a financially crippled club to strike a deal in the final days of the window.
Thus, there are no guarantees that this one gets done. If it doesn’t, the Saudi Pro League beckons.
Liverpool’s midfield revolution started promisingly at the start of the window as Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai were signed, but they struggled to acquire a number six and opted for a name that was considered by very few as a serious option in Wataru Endo.
Now, the Reds are closing in on making another midfield move, but they’re not getting the cover they perhaps need by signing Gravenberch from Bayern – a player who drew comparisons to Paul Pogba during his time at Ajax.
The Dutchman is keen to depart Bayern before the deadline with his current pathway to regular minutes looking obscured. His debut season in Germany was bitterly disappointing, but Gravenberch is a major talent nonetheless.
Liverpool are readying a bid for the midfielder, with this deal likely to be done in the final hours of the window.
Kolo Muani’s excellent season with a sub-par Eintracht Frankfurt side in 2022/23 seemingly rendered his exit inevitable this summer. However, with the deadline closing in, Kolo Muani remains on the books of the German club.
The flexible forward has featured for Frankfurt at the start of the Bundesliga season, but now things are starting to get messy as he attempts to force through a move. The striker has told the club he’ll go on strike until he’s allowed to leave, with his statement being slammed by sporting director Markus Krosche.
Paris Saint-Germain are Kolo Muani’s most likely destination, but the two clubs are yet to agree on a fee.
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