A 2018 FIFA World Cup winner has now reportedly received a wage-tripling offer to be the next big European star to play in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Pro League organisers have been open about their plans to globalise their top flight by luring some of the most recognised names in football to their country.
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Cristiano Ronaldo's free transfer to Al Nassr late in December marked the first arrival of a global superstar to their league, while domestic giants Al Hilal are understood to be in hot pursuit of the Portuguese striker's long-time rival Lionel Messi amid his expiring contract at Paris Saint-Germain.
The Saudis have continued to flaunt their deep pockets, reportedly offering players such as Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha and departing FC Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets lofty salaries in an attempt to lure them to the Gulf state.
According to The Times, the latest high-profile footballer to receive a similarly lucrative offer is Tottenham Hotspur captain Hugo Lloris.
It is said the veteran goalkeeper has been offered a deal that would triple his wages of £100 000 (R2.3 million) a week in England, with the earnings set to make him one of the best-paid players in the Arab nation hsould he accept the offer.
The 36-year-old has been the subject of some serious criticism this season, having conceded 39 goals in in 25 Premier League matches so far, including four strikes against Manchester City and five against Newcastle United before being taken off midway through that embarrassing 6-1 defeat last month.
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While the Saudi team in question has not been named, the former France skipper has been strongly linked with a departure from Spurs next month, with the London club said to have already lined up Merseyside pair Jordan Pickford from Everton and Caoimhin Kelleher of Liverpool as potential replacements.
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