Ousmane Dembele and the Saudi League: Will the Paris star leave after the 2026 World Cup?
International press reports have revealed serious moves by officials in the Saudi Professional League to sign French star Ousmane Dembele, winger of Paris Saint-Germain, in a move aimed at strengthening the ranks of Saudi clubs with the world’s elite stars during the upcoming transfer periods.
Serious inquiries and a huge financial offer
According to Sky Sports, prominent and influential figures in Saudi football have already begun preliminary inquiries and soundings regarding the possibility of acquiring Dembélé. These moves are part of a long-term strategic plan, with a substantial financial offer being prepared to persuade both the player and Paris Saint-Germain to finalize the deal. Negotiations are expected to accelerate after the 2026 World Cup, with the aim of officially signing the player.
General context: The Saudi transfer revolution continues
This interest in Ousmane Dembélé cannot be separated from the broader context of the Saudi sports project, which has been gaining momentum since the beginning of 2023. Following Al-Nassr's historic signing of Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo, a series of international deals brought stars like Karim Benzema, Neymar, and N'Golo Kanté to the Kingdom. The current strategy aims to ensure the continued competitiveness of the Saudi league by replacing aging stars whose contracts are nearing expiration with young, talented players still at the peak of their careers, such as Dembélé.
Outstanding performance and individual awards
Ousmane Dembélé is currently enjoying the peak of his career, with reports indicating his complete focus on winning more titles with Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team, especially after winning the 2025 Ballon d'Or, an achievement that has significantly increased his market value and made him a target for major clubs. Despite this current focus, the report suggests that the player's future will be open to all possibilities and discussions once the 2026 World Cup concludes.
Dembele's numbers and Paris Saint-Germain's position
In terms of numbers, Dembélé (28 years old) has delivered astonishing performances, scoring 49 goals in 115 matches since his move to the Parc des Princes from Barcelona in the summer of 2013 for a fee of £43 million. He played a crucial role in leading the Parisian team to their first-ever Champions League title last season.
On the other hand, Paris Saint-Germain doesn't seem likely to part with its star player easily, as the club has expressed its willingness to begin renewal talks despite him having two and a half years remaining on his contract. However, the club's salary cap remains a potential obstacle, with club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi emphasizing the strictness of the club's financial policy in a press statement: "The club's policy is clear; we have a salary cap for the players, and everyone must respect that. The team and the club are more important than anyone else." This stance could open the door for Saudi clubs, which have greater financial flexibility, to submit offers that are difficult to refuse.
Potential impact of the deal
If the negotiations are successful, Dembele’s transfer deal will be the “bomb of the season” and the biggest since the Ronaldo deal, as it will confirm the Saudi league’s ability to attract the best player in the world (the Ballon d’Or holder) at the peak of his performance, which will enhance the league’s international standing and raise broadcast and sponsorship revenues globally.
