Saudi Arabia’s ambitious football project appears ready for its next major leap, with Mohamed Salah and Vinicius Junior emerging as prime targets to follow Cristiano Ronaldo as the league’s next global icons, MySportDab Reports.
With increasing pressure to secure another headline superstar, Saudi clubs are closely monitoring uncertainty surrounding both players.
At Liverpool, Salah’s situation has taken a surprising turn. After rejecting a huge Middle Eastern offer earlier this year and signing a new two-year deal instead, the 33-year-old’s form has notably dipped.
New manager Arne Slot left him out of the starting XI against West Ham on Sunday, raising eyebrows and prompting speculation about his long-term future. Inside Anfield, there is a growing feeling that this could be Salah’s final season at the club.
Should that be confirmed, Saudi clubs are expected to pounce immediately. Salah has long been considered the league’s “dream signing,” capable of elevating its global stature.
Sources indicate he could receive an astonishing £150 million per year, with Al Hilal viewed as the frontrunners, although Al-Qadsiah also hold interest. Despite previously choosing to stay at Liverpool, those close to the forward say he has always been open to a move at some stage of his career.
The pursuit of Vinicius Junior, meanwhile, is more complex. Real Madrid are determined to extend the 25-year-old’s contract, but the dynamics around the winger have shifted under new manager Xabi Alonso. While both publicly deny issues, there have been subtle signs of tension. Vinicius insists he wants to stay “for many years,” yet privately the situation is less settled.
After the 2026 World Cup, he will have just one year left on his contract—an opportunity Saudi officials have identified. Insiders believe the financial package offered could surpass even Salah’s, given Vinicius’ age, global appeal, and star trajectory.
Al Ahli are currently seen as the strongest candidates to pursue him seriously.
Negotiations for his Madrid renewal will resume soon, but Saudi interest remains firm. With Ronaldo already in the league, the question now is whether 2026 becomes the year Saudi Arabia lands its next global football superstar.
