Big names moving from some of the world’s biggest soccer leagues, including the English Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, and the Bundesliga, was once an alien concept. There were so many mixed reviews, and there still are, but now it’s the norm. After Ollie Watkins’ shock move from Aston Villa in the Premier League to Al-Hilal, we want to look at who else is rumored to move and where they might go.
Saudi League Rumored Moves
Bruno Fernandes is probably the biggest current link to Saudi Pro League clubs. The Manchester United captain, now 32, is at the age where players usually start thinking about a move to a league that pays obscene money, no matter how old they are (Ronaldo is the obvious example of how much Saudi clubs are willing to pay).
Bruno Fernandes would be just another huge name to help the league keep growing in popularity. He hasn’t been publicly pushing for a United exit, so it’s more about interest than an expected transfer. With players like Fernandes moving, it really does feel like any league. You can bet on soccer and find the Saudi Leagues and watch it on streams as if it’s a top-flight football league.
Vinícius Júnior has been a long-term Saudi target. Some reports in early 2026 said he was one of the league’s biggest targets, and with uncertainty over his Real Madrid contract, many thought he could try an early exit clause and leave. At the time, Saudi officials approached him with a five-year contract offer worth around 200 million euros (roughly $218 million) per season.
Harry Kane was linked with Al Hilal during the summer, but that became much less likely once Al-Hilal signed Ollie Watkins. That move is insane after his season at Aston Villa, but with a contract that will see him earn £280,000 to £400,000 per week, who can blame him at 30?
Jack Grealish was also linked with Al Hilal during the summer after uncertainty over his Manchester City future. Nothing materialized before the window closed, but he could still be a January candidate.
The Biggest Saudi Pro League Club Teams
The Saudi Pro League has definitely gained traction since big names moved from the UK and European leagues. Some of the biggest teams they’re moving to are:
Do Players Move to Saudi Leagues Only for the Money?
Well, that’s what a lot of people say. And no disrespect to Saudi League pro clubs; their mission to transform soccer is amazing, but there’s no denying players are moving for the massive salaries and perks that come with it.
Some players also find appeal in playing in a developing competition. It’s new, it’s fresh, and the excitement over soccer there is amazing. The fans are so welcoming, and players who feel their time in professional football might be over feel validated again.
It doesn’t always go that way. Jordan Henderson is the biggest example of that. He left Al Ettifaq’s winter training camp after only six months and is now at Chelsea.
Let’s see who makes a move in the January transfer window. Our bet is on Jack Grealish, but there might be more senior players who crawl out of the woodwork and head to Saudi.
