The Saudi Pro League isn't messing around. After bringing in Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, they're now eyeing Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembélé for their next mega-signing. And this time, they want someone still in their prime.
According to Sky Sports News, preliminary talks are already happening. The catch? Any move will wait until after France's World Cup campaign this summer. But here's the kicker—Dembélé apparently hasn't said no.
What makes this different from previous Saudi raids is the timing. Dembélé is just 28 and coming off a Ballon d'Or-winning season. Unlike Benzema who joined at 35, this would be a statement signing of a player at the peak of his powers.
Why Would Dembélé Consider Leaving PSG?
Here's where it gets interesting. Dembélé has two-and-a-half years left on his PSG contract, and extension talks have reportedly hit a snag. The issue? Money, of course.
PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi recently made it clear that no player is above their wage structure. "The team and the club are more important than anyone," he said. They proved it this summer by letting world-class goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma leave over salary disputes.
After struggling with injuries and scrutiny at Barcelona for six years, Dembélé found his groove at PSG. Playing as a roving center forward under Luis Enrique, he led PSG to a European treble while winning every individual award available. But if PSG won't budge on wages, Saudi money could turn his head.
What Would This Cost?
Money isn't an issue for Saudi clubs backed by the Public Investment Fund. They can put together whatever package it takes. The question is how much PSG would demand.
Transfermarkt values Dembélé at around €100 million ($119.6 million). Interestingly, he wasn't even in CIES Football Observatory's top 100 most valuable players. But given his age, contract length, and status as the reigning Ballon d'Or winner, expect negotiations to be complicated.
If he does move for over €100 million, Dembélé would make history as the first player ever to command nine-figure fees twice. Ronaldo came close, moving to Real Madrid for €94 million before his €100 million Juventus switch.
For bettors, this saga is worth monitoring. If Dembélé leaves PSG after the World Cup, it could significantly shift the balance of power in Ligue 1 and make Saudi league futures more interesting. The Middle East's football project continues to make waves, and this might be their biggest splash yet.
