Saudi Arabian clubs to make ‘mega offers’ for Barcelona and Real Madrid’s ‘untouchable’ stars

Saudi Arabian clubs are reportedly preparing to make ‘mega offers’ to players Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid view as ‘untouchable’ to convince them to join this summer.

The Saudi authorities are continuing a drive to bring in high-calibre players who have played in Champions League or World Cup finals to their top division.

Karim Benzema became the latest big-name to agree a move to the country, with the French striker deciding to leave Real Madrid after 14 years in the Spanish capital.

Benzema is expected to complete a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad after agreeing a two-year deal with the Jeddah-based club worth around £345m.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti had admitted he was surprised to see Karim Benzema leave Real Madrid at this time.

According to Spanish journalist Jose Luis Sanchez, Saudi Arabian sides are continuing to target Barcelona and Real Madrid’s ‘untouchable’ stars.

The clubs are expected to table mega money offers to players in a bid to convince them to swap La Liga for the Saudi Pro League.

Benzema’s imminent arrival follows Al Nassr completing the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo in December, following the 38-year-old’s  acrimonious Manchester United exit.

Al-Hilal want to sign Argentine World Cup winner Lionel Messi, 35, after he left Paris Saint-Germain and are believed to be preparing a lucrative deal worth £345m per season.

The recruitment drive looks set to step up further after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund announced it had taken ownership of the country’s four leading football clubs.

The country’s sovereign wealth fund has taken a 75 per cent stake in Al-Ittihad as well as Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli.

The official PIF Twitter account said: ‘As part of today’s announcement of the Sport Clubs Investment and Privatisation Project, four Saudi clubs – Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Nassr and Al Hilal – have been transformed into companies, each of which is owned by PIF and non-profit foundations for each club.’

They added: ‘PIF’s ownership in the clubs’ companies represent 75 per cent in each club, while their respective non-profit foundations hold 25 per cent ownership of each club.

‘The transfer of the four clubs will unleash various commercial opportunities, including investment, partnership and sponsorships across numerous sports.’