There has been no shortage of massive money moves to Saudi Arabia over the last few years. The Saudi Pro League’s emergence on the global stage has been swift and meteoric – but not everyone has been swayed by their bags of cash.
In this list, we’ll look at five players who turned down transfers to the Saudi Pro League and we’ll examine if they made the right choice, based on their current situations.
Bruno Fernandes
Teams in Saudi Arabia have made multiple attempts to snap up Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United in the last few years. He has repeatedly stated his commitment to United and has never courted the idea of leaving to join a Saudi outfit.
While Fernandes may benefit personally from a move to the Saudi Pro League, his decision to stay with United – a club where he is loved and respected by the fans – is very admirable.
Son Heung-Min
Son Heung-min recently left Tottenham Hotspur before the start of the 2025/26 season to join LAFC, where he is currently leaving an indelible mark on the MLS. So far, the South Korean international has scored eight goals in his opening nine games of the season.
Previously, Son had been offered a huge contract to join Al Ittihad, but he was committed to Spurs at the time and did not take the bait.
Ousmane Dembele
Ousmane Dembele’s career could’ve taken a drastically different turn if he chose to join Al Nassr instead of PSG in 2023. He could’ve made £35 million at year with Al Nassr – but the legacy he has built for himself in Paris is priceless.
Since making the jump to the Parc des Princes, Dembele’s career has hit the stratosphere. He has won two Ligue 1 titles, two French Cups, the Champions League and the Ballon Dor since his fateful move to PSG – suffice to say, he certainly made the right choice.
Luka Modric
One of the greatest midfielders of all time, Luka Modric would’ve been a real coup for any Saudi Arabian team. However, when offered the chance, he instead extended his contract at Real Madrid.
Now, Modric is still playing at an elite level with AC Milan, even at the age of 40. It’s unlikely we’ll ever see him playing in the Saudi Pro League – Modric seems intent on ending his career in a top five division.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi’s long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, made the switch to Saudi Arabia in 2023. Teams were desperate to bring Messi to the Saudi Pro League to inject new life into their feud – but Messi did not follow Ronaldo to the Middle East when he left PSG. Instead, the Argentinian legend chose to join Inter Miami, along with former Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets.
Had Messi moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023, the footballing landscape may look very different today. It would have brought legitimacy to the Saudi Pro League – and perhaps even greater prominence than it already has. Could Messi still make the jump before he retires?