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Argentine world cup winner Lionel Messi has reportedly been linked with a big money switch away from PSG
Saudi Arabia seems to be the new destination for prominent football stars that are at the tail end of their professional career.
Former Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Al Nassr last year in a big-money move reportedly worth £173 million ($210m).
The 38-year-old, who has scored 12 goals so far this season, can rekindle his rivalry with PSG star Lionel Messi who has been rumoured to have agreed a deal to join Al-Hilal next season.
It was reported that the contract would see Messi earn a staggering £522 million eclipsing the deal that was sealed to bring Cristiano Ronaldo from Old Trafford.
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12:41 - 09.05.2023
Lionel Messi to earn more than Ronaldo in reported £522m Saudi Arabia contract
Football fans are set to see Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo reignite their rivalry after the Argentine reportedly sealed a £522m move to Saudi Arabia.
Sources in Saudi Arabia informed ESPN that plans are in place to target up to 50 players from Europe's elite leagues (England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain) to improve the quality of the Saudi Pro League.
Pulse Sports, in this report, reviews four other players that could join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.
1. Sergio Busquets
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Spanish defensive midfield maestro Sergio Busquets confirmed that he will leave FC Barcelona at the end of the current season after 18 years at the club.
The 34-year-old has played over 700 matches for the Catalan club and is considered one of the best deep-lying midfielders of his generation.
In an emotional video, Busquets said,
"It has been an honour, a draw and a source of pride to have been able to wear this badge but everything must come to an end."
Al-Hilal are reportedly interested in signing Busquets, a move they hope will convince his former teammate and seven times Ballon D’or winner Messi to join them.
2. Hugo Lloris
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Tottenham number one, Hugo Lloris, has reportedly been linked with a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League.
The BBC quoted the Times, saying the 36-year-old Frenchman has received an offer that will see him switch from White Hart Lane.
It was also reported that the unnamed Saudi club is ready to offer three times the wages the world cup winner currently earns in England.
3. Roberto Firmino
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The Liverpool forward announced early this year that he would not renew his contract with the Anfield club.
The Brazilian, 31, has been restricted to limited game time, following the arrivals of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo.
Although reports in recent times have linked him with a move to Barcelona, no official statement has been released to this effect.
Saudi Pro League club sides will be doing everything possible to see the Brazilian join the project they are trying to build.
4. Ilkay Gundogan
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The Manchester City midfielder, who scored a brace and could have had a hattrick but failed to convert from the spot in the league game against Leeds United, is also on the radar of Saudi clubs.
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10:40 - 10.05.2023
3 Mistakes Guardiola made that denied Man City victory against Real Madrid
The Cityzens were heavy favourites going into the game against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu
The 32-year-old deal at the Blue side of Manchester will expire in the summer, and Barcelona are favourite to snap up the German midfielder.
Meanwhile, there are speculations that Pep Guardiola wants him to stay, but a big paycheque from Saudi Arabia might prove too good an offer and Gundogan might not resist.
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