Saudi Pro League officials are looking to make a blockbuster signing in the summer of 2026, and have set their sights on Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembélé, though the club he would join has not yet been decided.
The French star’s contract with PSG expires in the summer of 2028, and he has rejected the initial renewal offer of €30 million annually. He reportedly wants an annual salary of €60 million.
Sky Sports reports that the Saudi Pro League’s current focus is on Dembélé, aiming to make him the biggest signing in the competition since Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Al-Nassr in the winter of 2023.
Saudi Arabia is preparing a lucrative offer to convince the 29-year-old to make the move. Initially, it appears that no European club can match the salary the Saudi Pro League officials are planning to offer Dembélé.
For his part, Dembélé prefers to focus on his season with Paris Saint-Germain now and then discuss the Saudi offer next summer. However, it seems he wouldn’t be opposed to the idea of moving to the Middle East, especially given his awareness that he’s getting older and that his next contract will likely be his last chance to earn a substantial salary.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior was also on the radar of Saudi league officials, but Dembélé is currently the “logical and realistic target” for the Saudis, particularly given his strong relationship with Nasser Al-Khelaifi and the Paris Saint-Germain management.
It’s worth noting that Al-Khelaifi has clearly stated that Dembélé, or any other player, must adapt to the salary structure in Paris, and that there is absolutely no intention of breaking it. Therefore, renewing the French player’s contract currently appears extremely difficult and complex, which ultimately increases the likelihood of a move to the Saudi club.
