The Saudi Roshan League is once again turning its attention to the most prominent international talents, as Spanish press reports revealed the desire of the Saudi Al-Ittihad to achieve a sensational deal that may be the most expensive in the history of football, targeting the rising talent and Barcelona star, Lamine Yamal .

According to the Spanish newspaper Fichajes, Al-Ittihad's management has placed the 16-year-old player at the top of their priority list to strengthen the team during the upcoming summer transfer window. This interest comes as the club seeks to bolster its attacking capabilities, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the future of French star Karim Benzema , and the club's desire to build a strong team capable of competing both domestically and continentally.

General context and ambitions of the Saudi League

This potential move is not arbitrary; rather, it falls within a comprehensive strategy by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) to elevate the level and value of the Saudi Professional League and establish it among the world's best leagues. Since the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo by Al-Nassr, the Saudi league has witnessed the arrival of a constellation of international stars such as Neymar, Sadio Mane, and N'Golo Kante, reflecting the immense financial power and ambitious goals of the Saudi sports project as part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

The importance of the deal and its expected impact

Signing a player of Lamine Yamal's caliber wouldn't just be a technical boost; it would send a powerful message to the world that the Saudi league isn't just attracting established stars at the end of their careers, but has become a magnet for the world's most promising young talents. Reports indicate that Al-Ittihad's offer could exceed €200 million, a figure that would present Barcelona with a real dilemma: whether to retain their future star or resolve their financial difficulties.

Barcelona's stance and the player

Despite the enormous financial temptation, Barcelona firm. The Catalan club considers Lamine Yamal, a graduate of the renowned La Masia academy, a cornerstone of their future project and untouchable. They have secured his contract with a €1 billion release clause, reflecting their strong commitment to the player who broke records as the youngest player to both appear and score for the club and the Spanish national team. For his part, Yamal doesn't seem to be considering leaving his boyhood club, where he feels comfortable and happy and considers himself an essential part of the team's plans. He has proven his worth this season with impressive performances, contributing effectively to the team's attack and establishing himself as one of the most promising young talents in European football.

Al-Ittihad enters a crucial stage of the season facing a significant challenge that could impact its campaign in the Saudi Professional League. The looming threat of losing two key players, defender Saad Al-Mousa and Dutch forward Steven Bergwijn, for the highly anticipated derby against arch-rivals Al-Nassr, is a major concern. This risk stems from accumulated yellow cards; receiving another caution in the preceding match against Al-Najma would automatically result in their suspension for the crucial encounter.

General context and historical background

The Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Nassr match, known as the "Saudi Clasico," is one of the most prestigious and intense matches in the history of Saudi football. This encounter brings together two of the Kingdom's top clubs, each boasting a massive fan base and a rich history of titles and achievements. Their matches have always been characterized by fierce competition, excitement, and intense rivalry both on and off the field, making the result significant not only for the three points but also for the morale of both teams and their supporters. This season, the match's importance is further amplified by the fierce competition for the top spots in the Roshan League, which has garnered global attention.

The importance of the event and its expected impact

Domestically, this situation puts Al-Ittihad's coaching staff, led by Sergio Conceição, in a tactical dilemma. The team needs a positive result against Al-Najma to maintain its momentum, but at the same time, it fears losing key players like Al-Mousa in defense and Bergwijn in attack before the crucial match against Al-Nasr, which is considered pivotal in the title race. Any absence in the derby could disrupt the team's balance and give the opponent an advantage, especially as Al-Ittihad seeks to recover from its recent inconsistent results and achieve the stability needed to compete strongly.

On both regional and international levels, the Saudi Professional League has gained immense media attention after attracting global stars. A match of the magnitude of the Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Nassr derby is followed widely worldwide. The absence of an international player of Steven Bergwijn's caliber, known for his career in European leagues, could diminish the match's technical quality and affect its status as one of the pinnacles of Asian football. Therefore, the team's management of its players at risk of suspension not only impacts its domestic ambitions but also extends to maintaining the high level of competitiveness of the Saudi league globally.

A sensational deal is on the horizon: Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal targets France's young gem

In a remarkable turn of events that has attracted the attention of major international clubs, the name of young French striker Mohamed Kader Meïté (18 years old) has emerged as one of the top targets in the 2025-2026 winter transfer window. However, his likely destination is not one of Europe's giants, but rather Saudi club Al-Hilal, which is close to finalizing a historic deal that could reach €30 million, a move that reflects the new ambitions of the Saudi Professional League.

Who is Mohamed Kader Meiti? His upbringing and promising career

Mohamed Kader Meiti was born in France in 2007 and began his football journey in French youth academies before joining Stade Rennais in the summer of 2023 from Montrouge. Despite his young age, Meiti quickly attracted attention thanks to his immense physical and technical abilities. The player is tall and possesses a strong physique, in addition to his speed and exceptional finishing ability inside the penalty area. During his season with Rennes, he managed to score three goals and provide one assist in Ligue 1, statistics that made him a target for talent scouts across Europe.

A new strategy for the Saudi League: From veteran stars to future talents

The potential Mete deal comes within the context of a broader strategic shift in the Saudi league. After initially focusing on attracting international stars in the twilight of their careers, Saudi clubs are now adopting a long-term vision aimed at building a competitive and sustainable league. This vision, backed by the Public Investment Fund, goes beyond simply acquiring big names; it extends to attracting the best young talent in the world and delivering a comprehensive sporting project capable of competing with major European leagues for these players. The Mete deal, if it materializes, would be conclusive proof that the Saudi league has become an attractive destination for players at the beginning of their careers, not just at the end.

Al-Hilal outperforms English Premier League giants

What makes this deal exceptional is the level of competition Al-Hilal faced. Reliable press reports revealed that major Premier League clubs, such as Manchester United and Chelsea, as well as Tottenham and Aston Villa, were closely monitoring the player. Manchester United, in particular, was looking to bolster its attack with a young talent, while Chelsea sent scouts to observe him closely. However, it seems that Al-Hilal's strong offer, which sources indicate could reach €40 million, coupled with the compelling sporting project led by coach Simone Inzaghi, ultimately swayed the player's decision. According to the reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, Meite had already made up his mind, preferring a move to Al-Hilal over offers from the Premier League.

Expected impact: A deal that shifts the balance of power

The transfer of a player of Meite's caliber to the Saudi League represents a significant turning point both domestically and internationally. Domestically, he will add immense attacking power to Al-Hilal for years to come, reinforcing the club's strategy of building a team for the future. Internationally, it sends a clear message that the Saudi League is no longer just a financial destination, but a sporting project capable of attracting the best young talents in the world. This success in snatching a player from under the noses of English Premier League clubs could pave the way for similar deals in the future, further cementing the Saudi League's position as a rising global football powerhouse.