Who are the next batch of Premier League stars that could be heading to Saudi Arabia?

While England international Jordan Henderson might have caused a huge controversy last week as the ex-Liverpool skipper ended his Saudi Arabian adventure after just six months, the Middle Eastern giants are still eyeing a host of Premier League superstars.

Announcing the arrival of five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo last year, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) have snapped up a long list of European icons.

With the likes of N’Golo Kante, Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Neves all completing their own big-money moves over the past 12 months, the Saudis have continued to shatter a string of financial records.

With just under a week until the January transfer window slams shut, we have taken a look at a handful of Premier League stars that could be heading to the Middle East.

Casemiro – Manchester United

While there might have been much excitement around Old Trafford in the summer of 2022 as they welcomed Casemiro to the Premier League, the Brazilian ace has largely struggled to live up to his £70million price tag.

With British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe officially completing his 25% investment last month, there has been plenty of speculation that United are already keen on cashing in on Casemiro over the next week.

Dealing with a string of injury issues this season and not making a single appearance across any competition since November 1st, the former Real Madrid midfielder has plenty of interest from the Middle East this month.

Reportedly earning in the region of £350,000-a-week, Erik ten Hag is keen on taking United’s midfield in a more youthful direction and Casemiro could be keen on a fresh start away from Old Trafford.

It has been suggested, Ronaldo himself has made an official request to the Al Nassr hierarchy to force a reunion with his former Real Madrid teammate and complete what would be a blockbuster swoop over the next week.

| : Al-Nassr are ready to make an opening bid of €30M for Brazilian midfielder Casemiro. [@Ekremkonur] #MUFC pic.twitter.com/qW4zOeWxOZ

— UtdTruthful (@Utdtruthful) January 24, 2024

Miguel Almiron – Newcastle

Although Newcastle might have completed their hugely controversial Saudi-backed takeover back in October 2021, Eddie Howe is remarkably dealing with some real financial restrictions at St. James’ Park.

Posting losses of £73.4million in their latest set of accounts earlier in the month, the Magpies are on the verge of dealing with some hefty FFP punishments.

With Newcastle making it abundantly clear that they must sell some of their first-team stars if they are to complete any signings over the final week of January’s transfer window, it appears that Howe’s side are willing to cash in on Miguel Almiron.

Although the Magpies might have made it clear that England international Kieran Trippier will not be allowed to leave St. James’ Park amidst interest from Bayern Munich, Almiron could be sacrificed in their bid to balance the books.

While the Paraguayan winger might have reportedly stated that his main ambition is to stay put in the Premier League, there has been growing speculation that Saudi Pro outfit Al-Shabab are keen on pushing through a deal that could be worth in the region of £30million.

Understand there is now a verbal agreement between Al-Shabab and Newcastle for Miguel Almiron. However, Al-Shabab are yet to go to the player side. pic.twitter.com/ArPNI7tpEz

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 23, 2024

Abdoulaye Doucoure – Everton

Hit with a hugely controversial 10-point deduction back in November and with another potential penalty hanging over their heads, it is no secret that Everton are dealing with a string of financial issues behind the scenes at Goodison Park.

Once again at the heart of another Premier League title scrap in 2024, it is no secret that the Toffees must slash their wage bill if they are to add any new recruits during the final week of January’s transfer window.

Although Abdoulaye Doucoure might have played a crucial role in Everton’s charge for top-flight safety last season, there has been growing speculation that the 31-year-old could be heading for the Goodison Park exit.

While the one-time Watford midfielder might have only put pen to paper on a new deal with Everton back in November, Al-Ettifaq boss Steven Gerrard has identified Doucoure as his number one target to replace Henderson.

With the Saudi Arabian outfit reportedly smelling the chance to complete a cut-price switch this month, it has been suggested that the Al-Ettifaq hierarchy have already reached out to Doucoure’s representatives.

EXCLUSIVE: Al Ettifaq approach Everton to ask for Abdoulaye Doucouré as one of their top targets to replace Henderson.

Understand Saudi club also approached player’s camp.#EFC still consider Doucouré as key player — not easy but Al Ettifaq want new midfielder. pic.twitter.com/obKgSE9Q3c

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 20, 2024