The Saudi government has demonstrated considerable desire by signing Cristiano Ronaldo and making approaches to Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema, and have one more superstar target in the pipeline claims Real Madrid legend Predrag Mijatovic.
Saudi government now intend to add another celebrity to the mix in order to boost the brand value of the Saudi Pro League (SPL), and Mijatovic has claimed Brazilian superstar Neymar is their next transfer target. Neymar, 31, is set to be offloaded by Paris Saint-Germain, who believe that after six years, the time has come to split ways with the attacker.
Saudi plotting ambitious transfer scoop claim Real Madrid’s UCL hero
Mijatovi, who scored the game-winning goal in Real Madrid’s 1-0 triumph over Juventus in the 1998 UEFA Champions League Final to help the Los Blancos win their first title in 32 years has revealed the insights of the plan undertaken by Saudi government, which is backing the SPL clubs to sign more superstars after Ronaldo.
The former Real Madrid player stated to Cadena SER (via Onze Mondial) that the Saudi government intends to build a ‘quartet of madness’ by bringing in Neymar, along with Messi and Benzema. He said:
“I know the Saudi government has four players in mind, who are four stars: Cristiano Ronaldo, (Lionel) Messi, Neymar and (Karim) Benzema. It is their strategy to promote football as ambassadors.”
Saudi Arabia is aiming to establish itself on the world football map after watching neighbours Qatar perform an excellent job hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Saudi government is determined to organise a World Cup within the next decade or two, and they feel that bringing in famous footballers would help boost the reputation of the SPL and the nation.
In December of last year, Al-Nassr made a huge statement by signing Ronaldo, a Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus legend on a free transfer. To get him to Mrsool Park, they reportedly made the 38-year-old the highest-paid footballer in the world, offering him a £173 million-a-year contract.
The presence of the Portuguese legend increased Al-Nassr’s reputation both on and off the pitch. Since his arrival, the Portuguese striker has 14 goals and two assists in 19 appearances in all competitions, proving to be a fan favourite. Despite his team’s failure to win the title, Ronaldo has committed his loyalty to Al-Nassr and is eager to participate again next season amid rumours that he wants to return to Real Madrid.
After seeing an increase in popularity during Ronaldo’s six months in the SPL, the Saudi government is now aiming to bring in Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema, and Neymar, at least as per former Real Madrid striker Mijatovic. Messi’s departure from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has been a long-drawn-out tale, as he continues to block contract discussions and rumours of his departure spread.
While he has been linked with a transfer to the SPL, it is no secret that Messi would love to return to Barcelona if the opportunity arose. Neymar might be tempted by the SPL’s extravagant offers after seeing his best friend Messi go. The Brazilian has been linked with a move to the Premier League, but he may instead follow Messi to the Middle East. It remains to be seen whether Neymar, 31, will leave Europe for Saudi Arabia at this point of his career.