Saudi Pro League team Al-Shabab is gearing up for an active summer, targeting several prominent European players. Among their pursuits are former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and out-of-contract Southampton forward Che Adams. The club’s main focus is to boost their goal-scoring capabilities after netting only 45 goals in the league last season.
Aiming to improve on their eighth-place finish last season, the Riyadh-based team already boasts players like Ivan Rakitic and Yannick Carrasco in their lineup.
The Saudi Club Could Sign Adams for Nothing
They face competition from Nottingham Forest and Wolves
Aubameyang is a key target for Al-Shabab, with Marseille willing to negotiate despite the Gabon international scoring 30 goals last season. The 34-year-old former Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona striker has previously turned down offers from Saudi clubs. Al-Nassr attempted to sign Aubameyang in 2022, before the Saudi Pro League’s major spending spree, and he remains on their radar.
Al-Shabab are also vying for Southampton’s Che Adams, who netted 16 Championship goals last season as Southampton secured promotion to the Premier League. While Southampton has engaged in contract talks with Adams, he left for Euro 2024 with Scotland without a resolution. Nottingham Forest and Wolves are also interested in Adams.
According to GIVEMESPORT, Che Adams had a goal conversion rate of 27% in the Championship last season, scoring 16 goals from 60 shots.
Earlier in January, Al-Shabab made a bold attempt to sign Atletico Madrid forward Alvaro Morata, offering him a base wage of £12 million per season in summer 2023. However, Morata did not accept the lucrative deal, which included significant bonuses. Al-Shabab have since shifted their focus to other targets, while Morata has attracted early interest from Italian clubs.
Al-Shabab Willing to Revisit Almiron Situation
The Saudi club tried to sign the Newcastle star in January
Earlier this year, Newcastle United’s Miguel Almiron was a significant target for Al-Shabab. The clubs had verbally agreed on a deal worth around £25 million, but the Paraguayan preferred to stay at Newcastle. While no new approach has been made, Al-Shabab remains open to revisiting the situation if Almiron changes his mind.
Currently, Al-Shabab’s focus is on securing a three-year contract with Rafa Silva, who recently left Benfica. Silva, who scored 22 goals in all competitions last season, is also attracting interest from other Saudi clubs and Galatasaray. Shabab’s club president, Muhammed Al-Munajem, and sporting director, Domenico Teti, are actively working on finalizing a deal.
Despite facing stiff competition for their top targets, Al-Shabab aims to secure two star players by early July.
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