The biggest project since Ronaldo – Saudis want Ousmane Dembele!

Ousmane Dembele’s name has surprisingly entered the Saudi Pro League conversation, with reports suggesting the PSG talisman is being lined up as a headline target ahead of the summer window. The Ballon d’Or holder is viewed as a potential marquee signing, with the move being described as the Saudi league’s most ambitious pursuit since Cristiano Ronaldo. Although Dembele remains under contract in Paris until 2028, senior figures within the Saudi Pro League are said to be assembling an eye-watering proposal in an attempt to lure him to the Middle East.

Saudi clubs have already reshaped the market by attracting elite stars such as Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Ruben Neves, Neymar and Sadio Mane. Dembele is now the latest big name on their radar, with Sky Sports News reporting that “preliminary inquiries” have already taken place regarding a possible summer switch.

For now, the French forward is fully locked in on PSG’s campaign and will then turn his focus toward the upcoming World Cup. Dembele has previously made clear his ambition to shine on the global stage this summer, telling CNN: "We know what it takes to go all the way and we’re going to try to do everything to bring the trophy home. We know we have a mission in the United States. We’ve been talking about this World Cup for a long time now and I think we’ll be ready for the occasion."

Attention is expected to intensify after the tournament, especially with Dembele set to enter the final two years of his PSG deal. Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol offered his assessment of the situation, suggesting any move would be seismic: "If this happens, it would be the biggest deal for Saudi Arabia since they signed Cristiano Ronaldo. The Saudi Pro League clubs are anticipating a big summer transfer window and one of the players they are looking to sign is Ousmane Dembele. Could it happen? I think it's a long shot - but the landscape of football in Saudi Arabia is changing."

Dembele’s long-term future has already been a talking point this season, particularly amid reports that he is pushing for improved terms following his Ballon d’Or success. PSG manager Luis Enrique has dismissed claims that the winger has turned down a new deal, while club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has reiterated the importance of maintaining a strict wage structure at the Parc des Princes. He said: "The club's policy is that we have a salary cap for the players, as everyone knows. Everyone must respect it. The team and the club are more important than anyone."

Despite lifting four trophies last season — including a historic first Champions League crown — PSG have yet to fully find their rhythm this campaign. They are back in action tonight, hosting Newcastle in their final league-phase match of the Champions League, knowing a top-eight finish would secure automatic qualification for the round of 16.

Recently back from a hamstring issue, Dembele is expected to feature from the start. He has already registered three goals and two assists in five appearances this month, underlining his growing influence once again.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 8

Wednesday

23.00: (3.05) Ajax (3.50) Olympiacos (2.40)

23.00: (1.03) Arsenal (20.0) Kairat Almaty (60.0)

23.00: (2.75) Athletic Bilbao (3.45) Sporting Lisbon (2.65)

23.00: (1.33) Atletico Madrid (6.00) Bodo/Glimt (9.00)

23.00: (1.15) Barcelona (10.5) Copenhagen (17.0)

23.00: (4.00) Benfica (4.25) Real Madrid (1.85)

23.00: (2.80) Club Brugge (3.65) Olympique Marseille (2.50)

23.00: (2.95) Borussia Dortmund (3.50) Inter Milan (2.45)

23.00: (4.70) Eintracht Frankfurt (3.70) Tottenham (1.85)

23.00: (1.70) Bayer Leverkusen (4.20) Villarreal (4.90)

23.00: (1.12) Liverpool (12.0) Qarabag (19.0)

23.00: (1.25) Manchester City (7.00) Galatasaray (12.0)

23.00: (3.80) Monaco (3.85) Juventus (1.95)

23.00: (3.40) Napoli (3.50) Chelsea (2.25)

23.00: (1.60) PSG (4.75) Newcastle (5.25)

23.00: (5.75) PSV (4.75) Bayern Munich (1.55)

23.00: (2.70) Pafos (3.35) Slavia Prague (2.80)

23.00: (3.50) St. Gilloise (3.65) Atalanta (2.10)

***odds are subject to change***