Manchester United are considering a training camp in Saudi Arabia in 2026 for £18 million
Recent English press reports have revealed that Manchester United are in advanced negotiations to explore a proposal for a comprehensive pre-season training camp in Saudi Arabia. The reports indicate that the camp is planned for the summer of 2026, specifically July and August, a move reflecting the growing sporting ties between major European clubs and the Kingdom.
According to reports, the proposed offer includes a substantial sum of approximately £18 million for the prestigious English club, to be covered by the Saudi Professional League. The plan, reportedly under consideration by club officials and manager Michael Carrick, involves Manchester United playing a series of high-profile friendly matches against top Saudi Professional League teams, giving Saudi fans the opportunity to see one of the world's most renowned clubs up close.
General context and sports transformation in the Kingdom
This news comes amidst the tremendous sporting boom Saudi Arabia is experiencing as part of Vision 2030, which has transformed the Saudi Professional League into a global destination attracting top football stars. The Kingdom has previously hosted numerous major football events, such as the Spanish and Italian Super Cups, in addition to friendly matches between Saudi League stars and international clubs like Paris Saint-Germain. Hosting a training camp for a club the size of Manchester United is a further step in strengthening the Kingdom's position as a global sporting hub and will contribute to raising the market and technical value of the domestic league through exposure to prestigious European football academies.
A rich history and overwhelming popularity
Manchester United, nicknamed the "Red Devils," is a cornerstone of world football history and boasts a massive fan base in the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf. The club has a rich history of achievements, having won the English Premier League 20 times, the UEFA Champions League three times in historic seasons (1968, 1999, 2008), and the FA Cup 12 times. This legacy makes a potential visit to Saudi Arabia an exceptional event eagerly anticipated by football fans worldwide.
Economic and marketing dimensions
Economically, this training camp represents a golden opportunity for the English club to increase its commercial revenue and expand its reach in the growing Saudi market. Conversely, Saudi sports benefit from the global media coverage accompanying such tours, boosting sports tourism and highlighting the readiness of Saudi infrastructure to host major events. Despite discussions of these financial and logistical details, there is still no official confirmation from Manchester United or the Roshan League regarding the completion of the agreement, as matters remain under review and negotiation.
