Bruno Fernandes' decision to reject a major transfer move to Al-Hilal could reflect the weakening power of the Saudi Pro League.
The Man United captain has decided to reject a £100 million transfer offer this summer and a £700,000-a-week salary to stay at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are 15th in the Premier League and will not qualify for the European Cup next season after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham. However, it seems they will keep their star player and captain, despite speculation that Man United need money.
That will ring a warning bell for the Saudi Pro League, where the overall plan is built around attracting the best players in the world. The tournament has now been flatly rejected by two of the Premier League's top stars.
Mohamed Salah has been a target of the Saudi Pro League since previous transfers. They want to affirm the strength of the tournament after recruiting Cristiano Ronaldo in January 2023. As one of the best players in the world, Salah is considered a necessary boost for the Saudi Pro League.
However, Salah has decided - at least for now - that he wants to stay in the Premier League with Liverpool rather than accept a deal worth around £500 million. Salah is 32 years old, the age at which a rich deal in the Middle East could be very attractive. However, he signed a new 2-year contract with The Kop in April this year.
When asked about the decision to reject Saudi Arabia, Salah said at Liverpool's Premier League trophy parade: "I think it was a good opportunity. My contract with Liverpool is expiring and I think about Saudi Arabia. But I have completed the deal with Liverpool.
I still maintain a good relationship with them and I always keep in touch with them. Yes, we talked to each other. I don't know what will happen, but I'm happy with Liverpool and I will stay here for the next 2 years. Then, let's see what I will do next."
It seems Salah will still consider moving to Saudi Arabia, but it will be until he makes the most of his best years in a more competitive environment. Fernandes is two years younger than Salah and made the same decision.
Despite concerns about being away from home, the biggest reason Fernandes decided to stay was not wanting to leave the most exciting tournament on the planet. Despite attractive treatment, the Saudi Pro League cannot be considered a major tournament.
Although the Saudi Pro League has attracted many talented young players from major European tournaments, the star of the tournament is still Ronaldo, 40. Saudi Arabia's model depends on attracting and retaining stars like Ronaldo.
"We have attracted and brought in some of the best players in the world. Right now, we have very good players, as part of the tournament. We have the top players in the world. That signals a good future for the league," said Saudi Pro League head of football Michael Emenalo to Sky Sports in September 2023.
But is that still true? In the same interview, Emenalo rejected the suggestion that the Saudi Pro League could follow in China's footsteps as a short-lived fever. However, that seems to be an increasingly obvious possibility.
Emenalo also admitted that the plan for this tournament depends on the quality of the stars: "It's not surprising that when you put the plan into practice, you will ask: how to provide the best quality entertainment for our audience? That includes bringing the best players in the world here."
But besides Ronaldo, which of the world's top stars have actually arrived in Saudi Arabia? And how many of them are at their peak? Not much.
There are certainly many talents who have made this move. But for the most part, the contracts are far beyond what they can expect in the Premier League. Notable examples include Ivan Toney, Jhon Duran and Aleksandar Mitrovic.
If Saudi Arabia's billions of dollars can no longer afford to buy star players, their entire plans related to the 2034 World Cup could be at risk.
