Liverpool have cause to be wary after the Saudi Pro League summer transfer window officially opened on Monday.
The Reds have done some good business with the PIF backed clubs over the last 12 months, seeing a number of their slightly over-the-hill players move there.
However, Liverpool have also had to fend off serious interest from the likes of Mohamed Salah. With the Saudi sides now getting their budgets and the transfer window opening, they could come back for more.
The main rumours this time have surrounded Alisson Becker, who is reportedly a top target for Al Nassr. The same club are also said to have held talks with Virgil van Dijk.
And with the new market just a few days old, Fabinho’s club, Al Ittihad, have wasted no time in making quite a statement signing.
Arthur Theate set for Al Ittihad move
The transfer window is also open for Liverpool, of course, and the Reds’ aims this time are somewhat similar to last year.
Back in summer of 2023, the main focus for Liverpool was on their midfield. But there was also a feeling that they could do with a new centre-back.
With that in mind, there were strong links to Rennes centre-back Arthur Theate. Liverpool were even said to have been in touch with Theate about a move to Anfield.
In the end it never happened. And despite overwhelming clamour for them to bring in an extra body, Jarell Quansah stepped up from the academy and proved it to be a good decision.
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12 months on and that call has perhaps just become to look even better. Although he was a starter for Belgium during Euro 2024, journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Theate is now set for a move to Saudi Arabia.
“Arthur Theate to Al Ittihad, here we go!” says Romano. “Deal in place for €18m [£15m] fee to Rennes, all done also on player side.
“First move for new coach Pioli, smart signing for Ittihad as many clubs were keen including West Ham.
“24 year old Belgium international also completed medical.”
Liverpool move slips away for Arthur Theate
Perhaps it’s not a fair reaction, but most fans will likely deem this to be a bizarre move from Theate.
At just 24, the Belgian could seemingly have got himself a good transfer in Europe. Having broken into the starting line-up for his country his stock is high.
West Ham would have been a much better option for him, while Liverpool are themselves still looking for a new centre-back.
At £15m, it’s obvious that Theate is a real bargain for Al Ittihad. He’ll sit behind Fabinho and N’Golo Kante in what now looks like a really solid defensive set-up.
From a Liverpool point of view, perhaps they are now vindicated further in their decision not to go for Theate last year.
For that kind of price though, you can’t help but feel he’d have been a smart addition at Anfield.
