Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr, several players have followed suit and headed to the Saudi Pro League as well.
Kevin De Bruyne suggested Saudi Arabia could be a place where he plays once due to the generational wealth he could acquire by making the move one day.
Former Manchester City players such as Riyad Mahrez, Aymeric Laporte and now even Joao Cancelo play their football in the Saudi Pro League.
It seems like Saudi Arabia’s premier footballing competition are determined to constantly improve the quality of their division.
However, for players who play at the Etihad Stadium or amongst the top European teams in the game, a majority of them prefer to stay in the continent.
Ronaldo targets Mateo Kovacic signing for Al-Nassr
Especially if playing regularly for Pep Guardiola’s side, where they will be mainstays in potential trophy-winning campaigns.
For instance, this season, Mateo Kovacic has become a key cog in City’s side — starting three Premier League games in a row and playing at a level where he must be one of the first names on the team sheet.
Despite being 30, the Croatian international is continuing to showcase that he still has plenty of top-level football left in him.
As a result, in theory, the former Chelsea midfielder must be satisfied with life at Manchester City — especially after winning the Premier League last season.
However, a report by CBS Sports has claimed that Al-Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo internally feel the signing of Kovacic would be “transformative” for their side.
The pair notably played in the same Real Madrid side previously.
Al-Nassr are believed to be targeting the Linz-born maestro as a potential January addition — willing to offer him weekly wages worth in excess of $1 million (£759,650).
The Saudi Pro League side were keen on signing the £25 million on Monday as a marquee signing on deadline day.
But the club were unable to move former Liverpool winger Sadio Mane on, meaning they could not make space for the Manchester City technician in their squad — as they had a maximum limit of eight foreign players over the age of 21 in their squad.
Al-Ahli were interested in signing Mane and to make space for him in their squad, they were willing to sell Roberto Firmino to Al-Taawoun as they discussed a deal to let the Brazilian leave.
However, such deals could not come to fruition, which led to Al-Nassr’s failed pursuit of Kovacic.
Mateo Kovacic should snub Al-Nassr transfer
Kovacic is still playing like in the prime of his career and this season, he could play a pivotal role in this Manchester City side that could win silverware on multiple fronts.
Stephen Warnock hailed Kovacic as “outstanding” and pinpointed how well he has started the season.
Ultimately, a player of the decorated midfielder’s standing in the game could be handed offers from the Saudi Pro League in a few years as well.
But simultaneously, Kovacic is not getting any younger and as long as he is a top player, he should maximise his time as a part of one of Europe’s best teams.
With the former Inter Milan dribbler proving to Pep Guardiola that he can deputise for Rodri as a number six, plenty of starts for him could be on offer in both central midfield and deeper.
It would be wise for Kovacic to spend the 2024/2025 season at City before assessing his future, if he wishes to.
