The Premier League transfer window closed on September 1, but Manchester United could yet get some business done.
Unlike most countries in Europe, the transfer window for clubs in Saudi Arabia remains open until September 11. That means while English clubs can no longer bring in new players, they are still permitted to sell to leagues whose markets are still active.
This quirk of the calendar has already seen some high-profile moves in recent years, and reports suggest that a certain United duo could now be next. Harry Maguire and Andre Onana are both being linked with late switches to the Saudi Pro League, with other fringe Premier League players also on the radar.
Harry Maguire and Andre Onana could leave Man United for Saudi Arabia
According to multiple reports, Harry Maguire and Andre Onana are being targeted by Saudi clubs as the Pro League continues its aggressive push to recruit high-profile players from Europe.
Maguire has fought his way back into the picture at Old Trafford after nearly joining West Ham in 2023, but doubts remain over his long-term future. With only a year left on his deal, the 32-year-old defender represents a relatively affordable option for clubs in the Middle East looking for experience and name value.
Onana’s position is even more precarious. The Cameroonian goalkeeper joined United for nearly £50 million from Inter Milan in 2023, but his time in Manchester has been riddled with costly errors. United’s summer signing of Senne Lammens pushed him further down Ruben Amorim’s pecking order, and the club are understood to be open to a sale.
Harry Maguire (left) is said to be wanted in Saudi Arabia, where former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo (right) has been based since early 2023
Bayindir also linked with Old Trafford exit
It isn’t just Onana whose Old Trafford future is in doubt. Altay Bayindir, signed in 2023 as cover for Onana, has also been linked with a move away. Clubs in Turkey have until September 15 to finalise business, giving him a possible route back to the Super Lig if a suitable offer arrives.
But United are unlikely to allow both Bayindir and Onana to depart. With Lammens signed this summer and expected to become Amorim’s new No 1, the manager is prepared to shuffle his goalkeeping options, but losing two senior backups at once would leave the squad exposed. Any Bayindir deal is therefore dependent on what happens with Onana.
Which other players could still move to Saudi Arabia?
United players aren’t the only ones attracting attention. A number of Premier League outcasts and unsettled stars are on Saudi shortlists.
Raheem Sterling has been training away from Chelsea’s first team and could be offered a fresh start. His salary demands are high, but not out of reach for the Pro League.
Axel Disasi, another Chelsea defender frozen out, has been linked with Neom SC, who have already signed Alexandre Lacazette.
Meanwhile, United defender Tyrell Malacia saw a loan from Old Trafford to Elche collapse on deadline day. A Saudi club may yet offer him the escape route he is seeking.
Yves Bissouma has tumbled down the order under new Tottenham manager Thomas Frank. Spurs would welcome bids as the Malian enters the final year of his deal.
Nathan Ake and Mason Greenwood have also been mentioned in speculative reports.
Saudi spending showing no sign of slowing
Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s trailblazing move to Al-Nassr in 2023, the Saudi Pro League has invested billions to lure big-name stars, including some still in their prime years.
Although Robert Lewandowski rejected a move to Al-Nassr, the likes of Joao Felix, Kingsley Coman, Darwin Nunez and Theo Hernandez all joined Pro League clubs this summer, demonstrating that the market isn’t limited to veterans seeking a final payday.
Saudi clubs have already spent around half a billion euros on transfer fees this window alone, and the government-backed project shows no sign of slowing. The late deadline gives them a unique advantage: they can pounce on players who missed out on transfers before Europe shut its doors.
