Image Credits: Imago Images
The Saudi Pro League is gearing up for another summer offensive, with Mohamed Salah once again looming large on the kingdom’s wishlist as they look to refresh their European star power. Cristiano Ronaldo’s long‑term future in the division remains unclear as he edges closer to a potential retirement amid a spat with the league’s officials, while Karim Benzema’s switch to Al- Hilal has caused a vacuum at Al-Ittihad that league officials want to fill.
Against that backdrop, attention is increasingly turning to the next wave of marquee profiles – and one of them is a former Liverpool favourite who has quietly become a talisman in Dammam.
At Al‑Ettifaq, Georginio Wijnaldum’s situation has suddenly emerged as one of the most intriguing subplots of the coming window.
Local reports say there is real anxiety among supporters that the 37‑year‑old could walk away at the end of the season, despite evolving into the most influential foreign signing in the club’s modern era. Wijnaldum has already passed the 30‑goal mark for Ettifaq across three campaigns, transforming from a steady first season into the undisputed focal point of their attack under Saudi coach Saad Al‑Shehri.
This year alone he sits atop the club’s scoring charts in the Pro League with 9 goals and 3 assists in 17 games.
The twist is that Wijnaldum’s future does not rest entirely in Ettifaq’s hands. His contract is down to its final months, and because he was originally brought in via the central recruitment programme, the club cannot simply rubber‑stamp a new deal without fresh backing from the league’s committee.
In a candid recent interview after the draw with Damac, Wijnaldum admitted that staying is his “personal priority” but openly conceded that a summer exit remains on the table if no agreement is reached.
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.