Real Madrid midfielders Dani Ceballos and defender David Alaba have emerged as potential targets for Saudi Pro League clubs, according to reports from Spanish outlet Marca. While no official bids have been submitted, sources indicate Saudi giants Al Nassr and Al Hilal are monitoring the duo’s situations as part of a broader push to recruit high-profile players during the summer transfer window.
The Saudi clubs’ ambitions extend beyond the Real Madrid pair, with Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood, Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich (referred to as “Conan” in initial reports), and Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson also on their radar. This aligns with the league’s ongoing strategy to attract global stars, following high-signing moves for players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in recent years.
Alaba, 32, faces an uncertain future at Real Madrid entering the final year of his contract. The Austrian defender, who joined the club in 2021, has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, and there are no indications that LaLiga champions plan to extend his deal beyond 2025. A move to Saudi Arabia could offer a lucrative exit strategy for both player and club, though negotiations remain preliminary.
Ceballos’ situation is similarly unresolved. The 28-year-old Spaniard, known for his technical versatility, has been intermittently linked with a return to former club Real Betis, where he began his professional career. Betis’ financial constraints, however, complicate a potential reunion, and Ceballos is expected to delay any decision until late in the transfer window, possibly after Real Madrid’s preseason preparations conclude.
Saudi interest in European talent reflects the league’s growing competitiveness and financial muscle, with clubs leveraging substantial investments to reshape their squads ahead of the 2024–25 campaign. For Real Madrid, the departures of Ceballos and Alaba would free up squad space and resources, potentially aiding their pursuit of younger targets like Lille defender Leny Yoro or Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappé, though no direct connection has been made between these moves.
Transfer market analysts caution that discussions remain fluid, with player salaries, contract terms, and family considerations likely to influence final decisions. Alaba, for instance, has publicly prioritized Champions League football in the past, a factor that could complicate negotiations with Saudi clubs. Meanwhile, Ceballos’ preference for consistent playing time—whether in Spain, Saudi Arabia, or elsewhere—will weigh heavily as the August 30 transfer deadline approaches.
The developments underscore a shifting landscape in global football, where emerging leagues are increasingly competing with traditional European powerhouses for elite talent. As clubs and players navigate these dynamics, Real Madrid’s handling of the Ceballos and Alaba situations will serve as a litmus test for their strategy in balancing squad evolution with financial pragmatism.
