Saudi Fund Sets Sights on Barcelona, Real Madrid Trio in Summer Talks
5 December 2025
Overview
A Spanish press report outlined the Saudi Public Investment Fund's plan to back local clubs during the transfers.
According to the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, the plan contemplates negotiating with three of Spain's stars: Polish icon Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona, German Antonio Rudiger, and Austrian David Alaba of Real Madrid.
And the report notes the fund will negotiate with the trio only during the summer window, stressing Lewandowski's signing won't be a winter priority, and any move toward him would wait until season ends.
The source noted that Rudiger and Alaba are part of the summer recruitment plan, especially as their contracts near expiration, giving Saudi clubs a chance to secure their services on free transfers while preserving balance.
The source also stressed that salaries for signings would range between 25 and 35 million euros annually, under a financial policy aimed at curbing spending and steering clear of inflated offers seen for some stars.
Officials conclude the fund will present these names to Saudi clubs based on technical needs, with board free to decide which player boosts its squad for 2026—because apparently, trophies need a committee.
