In Saudi Arabia, big-transfer dreams have once again been voiced out loud. Anmar Al Hayli, the president of one of the local clubs, said in a public statement that he would love to see Lionel Messi in his team and stressed he is ready to accept unprecedented terms to make it happen.
Although the Argentine superstar extended his contract with Inter Miami last autumn until the end of 2028, the Saudi side is not hiding its interest: if the 38-year-old forward ever considers changing clubs, he will be welcomed there with a “ready stage” and open arms.
According to Al Hayli, for Al Ittihad there is no such thing as financial limits in talks with the most accomplished and biggest name in modern football. The club chief said they are ready to offer Messi a deal for any length — even a lifetime contract. He also emphasized that the player could be given complete freedom regarding salary.
“I’m not interested in numbers. I want only one thing — Messi to wear the Al Ittihad shirt. He is the greatest footballer in history,” Al Hayli said.
Lionel Messi has been representing Inter Miami since the summer of 2023 and remains MLS’s biggest icon and most talked-about star. But the mood in Saudi Arabia points to one conclusion: if the legend ever decides to change continents, everything there is already prepared for the “next step.”
In short, for now it’s a dream and a bold claim. But judging by Saudi football’s transfer policy, they often manage to turn a dream into a “real project.” Time will tell: will Messi keep writing history in America, or one day open a new chapter in the Middle East?
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
