The summer transfer window is reaching a fever pitch as clubs across Europe and beyond scramble to finalize deals before the deadline, while the Saudi Pro League launches its new season amid a whirlwind of privatization and international intrigue. From Manchester United’s midfield shake-up to Cristiano Ronaldo’s enduring star power in Saudi Arabia, the football world is abuzz with both confirmed moves and tantalizing rumors.
Manchester United finds itself at the epicenter of much of the speculation. Star midfielder Bruno Fernandes, now 30, is reportedly eyeing a move to either Major League Soccer or the Saudi Pro League, but not until after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to The Daily Mail, Fernandes has already rebuffed a lucrative offer from Al Hilal this summer, preferring to remain at Old Trafford for at least one more season. With a contract running until 2027, United fans can breathe easy for now, but the prospect of their captain leaving next year is sure to keep the rumor mill spinning.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are playing hardball over the future of winger Alejandro Garnacho. The 21-year-old Argentine has attracted serious interest from Chelsea, but negotiations have hit a snag. United are demanding a hefty £50 million fee, citing comparable deals such as Noni Madueke’s £48 million move to Arsenal and Anthony Elanga’s £52 million switch to Newcastle. Chelsea, however, have so far only been willing to go as high as £35 million. With the transfer window ticking down, it remains to be seen whether the Blues will meet United’s valuation or look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements.
Elsewhere in Manchester, young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has emerged as a hot commodity. Both Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid are reportedly considering season-long loan moves for the 20-year-old, who has yet to make an appearance this season after slipping down the United pecking order. According to The Daily Mail, discussions are ongoing in Madrid, where Real are especially keen to bolster their midfield following the departure of Dani Ceballos. ESPN’s Alex Kirkland notes, “Mainoo’s rise to prominence for Manchester United and England got some attention here in Spain in 2024—especially given that he faced Spain in the Euro 2024 final—but his signing wouldn’t be met with the same excitement as that of a high-profile arrival.”
Tottenham Hotspur, too, are making headlines as they set their sights on Marseille midfielder Adrien Rabiot. The 30-year-old Frenchman, who found himself placed on the transfer list after a reported altercation with a teammate, is being closely watched by Spurs, who see him as a solution to their midfield woes after missing out on other targets. According to L’Equipe, Tottenham may soon submit a formal offer, though they face competition from AC Milan. Rabiot’s impressive Ligue 1 campaign last season—nine goals and four assists in 29 appearances—makes him a highly attractive option as the North London club looks to strengthen ahead of a challenging campaign.
In another twist, Tottenham are also negotiating with Galatasaray over a loan deal for midfielder Yves Bissouma, who has struggled to impress new manager Thomas Frank. Excluded from the Super Cup squad for disciplinary reasons, Bissouma’s move to the Turkish giants appears close, with an agreement expected before the window closes.
Confirmed moves are also making waves. Borussia Dortmund have secured Chelsea’s Aarón Anselmino on loan for the 2024-25 season, while Newcastle defender Matt Targett has joined Middlesbrough on a temporary deal. On the women’s side, London City Lionesses have bolstered their ranks by signing Angel City duo Katie Zelem and Alanna Kennedy. Liverpool’s promising youngster James McConnell has inked a five-year contract before heading to Ajax on loan, signaling the Merseyside club’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent.
While Europe’s elite clubs shuffle their decks, the Saudi Pro League is grabbing headlines of its own as the 2025-26 season kicks off. Cristiano Ronaldo, now 40, is once again at the center of attention. Fresh off signing a new two-year contract with Al-Nassr, the Portuguese legend is expected to make headlines both on and off the pitch. With 939 career goals, Ronaldo is just 61 shy of the magical 1,000 mark—a feat no player has ever achieved. Al-Nassr have also added firepower in the form of Kingsley Coman and João Félix, the latter already making an impact in the Super Cup with a goal assisted by Ronaldo.
The Saudi Pro League’s ambitions go far beyond star signings. In July 2025, the ministry of sports announced the privatization of three clubs: Al Ansar, Al Kholood, and Al Zulfi. Al-Kholood, the only top-flight team among them, has been acquired by the American Harburg Group, led by Ben Harburg. The club, based in Ar Rass and promoted in 2024, finished ninth last season under the guidance of new manager Des Buckingham. The Englishman, who previously won the Indian Super League with Mumbai City and secured promotion with Oxford United, brings fresh ideas and international experience to a club eager to make its mark.
The league’s "big five"—Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Qadsiah—continue to dominate, all backed by the Public Investment Fund or Aramco. Al-Ittihad, reigning champions, are led by Laurent Blanc and powered by the likes of Karim Benzema, Moussa Diaby, and N’Golo Kanté. Al-Hilal, runners-up last season, have replaced Jorge Jesus with Simone Inzaghi and added Darwin Núñez to their attack, making them the team to beat. Al-Ahli, despite a modest domestic campaign, lifted the Asian Champions League in May 2025, with Ivan Toney finishing as the second-top scorer with 23 goals. Al-Qadsiah, fourth in their maiden top-flight season, have splashed nearly £60 million on Italian striker Mateo Retegui, while Neom SC—managed by Christophe Galtier—adds a futuristic twist as the club represents a city yet to be built.
The influx of foreign capital and marquee signings underscores the Saudi Pro League’s determination to establish itself among the world’s elite competitions. As Ronaldo continues to chase records and new stars arrive, the league’s reputation is steadily climbing—bolstered by both sporting ambition and strategic investment.
With the transfer window’s final hours ticking away and the Saudi season underway, fans everywhere are glued to the latest developments. Will Fernandes make his long-awaited leap abroad next year? Can Tottenham finally land their midfield target? And will Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of greatness inspire Al-Nassr to new heights? The answers will unfold in the coming days and months, as football’s global drama shows no sign of slowing down.
