The Saudi Pro League still wants to raid the Old Continent, the XXL financial underside of the Kylian Mbappé operation and the officials of the day.
Saudi Arabia will take out the checkbook again
Saudi Arabia wants to hit hard again in the transfer window. After attracting Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Neymar, the Gulf country is still hungry for stars. And the next headliner could be called Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian is currently on a roll with Liverpool and it is not going unnoticed. According to Sky Sports , a new disproportionate offer from the Saudi Pro League should soon arrive on the table of the Reds' leaders. But the position of the English club has not changed, the 31-year-old striker is not for sale. We recall that the Reds refused €150 million last summer for their attacking leader. Another big name wanted by Saudi Arabia is David Alaba. In recent weeks, Relevo announced that Al-Ittihad wanted to offer the services of the Austrian defender with a salary of €20 million per year. But the former Bayern Munich player does not want to leave Casa Blanca and feels good in Madrid. The Gulf country is also watching closely what is happening at Manchester United where several players could be pushed out this winter. The Mancunian club is determined to sell 4 players to Saudi clubs: English winger Jadon Sancho, French central defender Raphaël Varane, French striker Anthony Martial and Brazilian midfielder Casemiro. Finally, the last player courted by the Saudi Pro League is Alexis Sanchez. Returning to Inter this summer, the Chilean does not have much playing time and could give in to the Saudi sirens. Al-Ittihad wants reinforcement in attack and is thinking of him.
PSG will not lose if Mbappé leaves
Kylian Mbappé has been free to negotiate with another club since January 1, 2024. PSG will do everything to try to keep him. For its part, The Athletic also reveals that the French champions have already established a budget in the event of the Bondynois being extended. But if he leaves, PSG will be left financially, because he is the most expensive player within the club. This season, the capital club will spend €178 million in total for its superstar according to Le Monde . But if he does not extend, he would give up nearly €200 million. In addition to his gross salary, which was to increase to €75 million in 2024-25, his contract provided for a signing bonus of €60 million gross, another loyalty bonus of €55 million payable in two installments and a bonus of 9, €5 million. A nice little jackpot that he wouldn't pocket if he left free.
Officials of the day
Bad news for Wayne Rooney! The former Manchester United striker has been fired from his coaching job at Birmingham City. Arriving last October, the former England international failed to adapt to English training. In 15 matches, he has only had two wins and nine defeats and his team is currently twentieth in the Championship and only six points ahead of the red zone. His poor performances since taking charge of the Blues led to his ouster. Former midfielder for Bastia, Toulouse and Lens, Yannick Cahuzac has hung up his boots, but has not said goodbye to football just yet. He has just bounced back into Ligue 1 since he signed with Lorient. He thus joins the technical staff of Merlus. Atalanta strengthens in defense with the arrival of Isak Hien. The Swedish central defender arrives from Hellas Verona and has signed until June 2028. The transfer is estimated at €9 million.