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Four Prem stars Saudi Arabia could target with Fernandes and Salah deals dead in the water
Money-spinning Saudi deals for Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes may be off the table but there are still plenty of Premier League stars who could be on the move in January.
Jurgen Klopp dismisses Mohamed Salah transfer talk
The Saudis are expected to spend big once again in January with plenty of top Premier League stars on their radar. But two players that definitely won't be making the switch across the Meditteranean Sea in the New Year are Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes.
Liverpool have ruled out any offers for the Egyptian icon after turning down a £150million bid from Al-Ittihad over the summer while Fernandes recently shrugged off links with a money-spinning move to the Middle East. So, who are the favourites to join the growing list of ex-Premier League stars plying their trade in the Saudi Pro League? Here, Express Sport takes a look at four of them.
Jadon Sancho
Both Juventus and Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq are reportedly keen on acquiring Jadon Sancho's services in January. The wantaway winger has been exiled from Manchester United's senior squad by Erik ten Hag after a social media bust-up with his manager.
He is desperate to secure a move away but United have set a steep £50m asking price for the Englishman, who joined the Red Devils two years ago from Borussia Dortmund for £73m. Given Sancho's decline in form since making the switch to Old Trafford, United's asking price is likely to be seen as too dear for cash-strapped Juve but shouldn't turn away Al-Ettifaq.
Richarlison
According to The Telegraph, Tottenham forward Richarlison is among Saudi Arabia's top transfer targets in January. Al-Ittihad were said to be keen on bringing him in over the summer but Spurs insisted he was not for sale. However, with Tottenham expected to strengthen their front line in the winter transfer window, Richarlison may end up moving elsewhere to help facilitate their spending.
Thomas Partey
Arsenal could consider letting Thomas Partey go for the right price in January following a string of injuries that have kept him sidelined for the majority of the 2023/2024 campaign. Declan Rice has quickly established himself ahead of Partey in the pecking order during the Ghanian's absence.
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Meanwhile, reports from Tutto Mercato claim that Partey has asked to leave Arsenal in the New Year. Al-Ahli tried to snap him up over the summer and are expected to renew their interest again in two months' time.
Casemiro
Manchester United are reportedly bracing themselves for a huge bid from Saudi Arabia for Casemiro. The Brazilian midfielder has looked a shadow of his former self for the Red Devils this season and according to 90min, he is the subject of intense interest from Saudi Pro League chiefs. A big bid would be hard for United to turn down considering Casemiro's age and declining form.