Transfers to Saudi Arabia: Man United, Chelsea, Spurs still possible

The Premier League transfer window is now over, but Manchester United could still make some last-minute moves. Unlike most European countries, the transfer market for clubs in Saudi Arabia remains open until September 11th. This means that although English clubs can no longer sign new players, they can still sell them to leagues whose transfer markets are still active.

This calendar oddity has already seen some high-profile moves in recent years, with rumors suggesting a United pair could be next. Harry Maguire and Andre Onana are both linked with latest moves to the Saudi Pro League, with other Premier League players on the fringes also targeted.

### Harry Maguire and Andre Onana could leave Manchester United for Saudi Arabia

According to multiple reports, Harry Maguire and Andre Onana are in the sights of Saudi clubs as the Pro League continues its offensive to sign high-profile players from Europe. Maguire has bounced back at Old Trafford after almost joining West Ham in 2023, but doubts remain over his long-term future. With just one year left on his contract, the 32-year-old defender represents a relatively affordable option for Middle Eastern clubs looking for experience and fame.

Onana’s situation is even more precarious. The Cameroon goalkeeper joined United for almost £50m in 2023 from Inter Milan but his time at Manchester was full of costly mistakes. The summer signing of Senne Lammens has further relegated Onana to Ruben Amorim’s pecking order, and the club are said to be open to a departure.

### Bayindir is also linked with a move away from Old Trafford

It’s not just Onana whose future at Old Trafford is uncertain. Altay Bayindir, recruited in 2023 as Onana’s replacement, is also linked with a departure. Turkey’s clubs have until September 15 to finalize deals, providing a possible exit route to the Super Lig if a suitable offer comes forward.

But United should not let Bayindir and Onana both leave. With Lammens signed in the summer and set to become Amorim’s new No.1, the manager is willing to review his goalkeeping options, but losing two senior substitutes at the same time would leave the team vulnerable. Any deal with Bayindir therefore depends on what happens with Onana.

### What other players could still join Saudi Arabia?

United’s players aren’t the only ones attracting attention. The Saudi lists include several outcasts and Premier League stars seeking balance. Raheem Sterling is training away from Chelsea’s first team and could be offered a fresh start. His salary demands are high, but not out of reach of the Lega Pro.

Axel Disasi, another unavailable Chelsea defender, has been linked to Neom SC, who have already signed Alexandre Lacazette. Meanwhile, United defender Tyrell Malacia saw his loan move from Old Trafford to Elche fall apart on the closing day of the transfer window. A Saudi club could offer him the exit he seeks.

Yves Bissouma has fallen down the pecking order under Thomas Frank’s new Tottenham management. Spurs are reportedly welcoming offers as the Malian enters his final year of his contract. Nathan Ake and Mason Greenwood were also mentioned in speculative reports.

### Saudi spending shows no signs of slowing

Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s pioneering move to Al-Nassr in 2023, the Saudi Pro League has invested billions to attract big names, including some still at full strength. Although Robert Lewandowski rejected a move to Al-Nassr, players such as Joao Felix, Kingsley Coman, Darwin Nunez and Theo Hernandez have all joined Pro League clubs this summer, proving that the market is not limited to veterans looking for one last big payday.

Saudi clubs have already spent around half a billion euros in transfer fees in this transfer window alone, and the government-backed project shows no signs of slowing down. The late deadline gives them a unique advantage: they can snap up players who missed out on transfers before the doors close on Europe.