Liverpool are looking to reshape their squad this summer – but might lose a star they weren't expecting to in the Saudi Pro League revolution
(Image credit: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Liverpool could be the next club to do business with the Saudi Pro League, as the Middle Eastern state revolutionises its football league.
Jurgen Klopp is overhauling his squad after a poor season in which the Reds finished fifth. Liverpool have signed Alexis Mac Allister and are still looking for another midfielder along with defensive cover in the squad.
But with Saudi Arabia's top flight tempting the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and now Ruben Neves – who was believed to be a Liverpool target at one point – now, one Merseysider might make the switch to the Middle East.
Ruben Neves is leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers for Saudi Arabia (Image credit: Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images)
According to Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, two clubs from the Saudi Pro League are eyeing Thiago Alcantara.
Thiago has dictated play for Liverpool as one of Klopp's most trusted midfielders ever since joining in 2020 off the back of a Champions League title – but his availability has been waning. Last season, he only made 18 appearances in the Premier League because of injury issues.
The Reds have sought to replace the Spain international's ability on the ball in midfield with Trent Alexander-Arnold slotting into similar spaces and with Thiago now 32, it looks extremely likely that they will lose him for nothing next summer when his contract expires.
Alexis Mac Allister may well replace Thiago – and with Klopp still eyeing another midfielder, it's possible that the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona star won't be a first-choice option in the centre of the park next season.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara is a target for the Saudi Pro League (Image credit: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Thiago was wanted by Manchester City when he ended up at Anfield – and is the only player to play for Pep Guardiola at two different clubs.
The midfielder is valued at €15 million by Transfermarkt.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
