According to the latest report of the American media CBS (CBS) reporter James Benge, Saudi Arabia's giants Riyadh Victory, after failing to bring in Croatian midfielder Kovačić in the summer transfer window, have targeted the upcoming winter transfer window at the beginning of 2025, and plan to make another attempt to sign the midfielder, who plays for Manchester City. Riyadh Victory have reportedly prepared a lucrative contract with a weekly salary of more than $1 million to lure Kovačić to the club.
Originally, Riyadh Victory showed great interest in Kovačić during the summer transfer period, but due to the unsuccessful sale of Senegalese striker Mane and the consequent inability to free up the necessary foreign aid slots, the plan ultimately failed to come to fruition. It is worth mentioning that the team's superstar Crowe is highly supportive of Kovačić's joining the team, believing that his arrival will inject new energy and creativity into the team's midfield.
In an effort to make up for the summer transfer window, Riyadh Victory are meanwhile actively considering bringing in free agent Rabio as an alternative, and are keeping a close eye on the Turkish side's potential interest in Mane and another central player, Talisca. However, with the team's foreign aid quota currently full and unable to add another foreign player over the age of 21, Rabio's signing will be seen more as an addition to Kovacic's introduction plan.
Both Riyadh Victory and Cairo see Kovacic as a key player in the transformation of their team and plan to submit a sizable offer to Manchester City when the winter transfer window opens. According to sources close to the club, the fee would be one of the highest transfer fees ever paid in Riyadh Victory's history, showing the team's desire and commitment to Kovacic.
In addition to the transfer fee, Riyadh Victory has also prepared an annual salary of about $65 million for Kovačić, a figure as high as six times his current income, which is a clear indication of their sincerity. However, despite Riyadh Victory's strong financial showing, they still face a series of challenges, including how to find a suitable underling for Mane to free up the foreign aid quota.
In the end, Riyadh Victory's plan to sign Kovačić in the summer transfer window fell through due to the failure to find a transfer opportunity for Mane. Now, as the winter transfer window draws nearer and nearer, Riyadh Victory's ability to overcome all the difficulties and successfully bring in the long-awaited midfielder has become the center of attention for fans around the world.
