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Football fans, if you have been keeping up to date with the sports news, then you would be aware that several players from mainland Europe, are leaving to move to Saudi Arabia and play in their Pro League.

Riyadh Mahrez, Edouard Mendy, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Neves, Karim Benzema and many more have moved to The Middle East.

When asked, many of the players give the same reason, to give a better future for their family and the next generations.

Kalidou Koulibally rather admirably, not only wants to help his family for the future but also help the less fortunate in his native Senegal.

The reasons why so many players are leaving for Saudi hasn’t gone down well with all football fans, but they have the right to make the best of their situations.

A football career is not always guaranteed and thinking for the future is a good thing and a refreshing thing too.

Footballers are so often stereotyped as being flamboyant and carefree when it comes to money. Another player, Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mane is also said to be leaving Europe to join Al-Nassr.

The Saudi club who have Ronaldo in their side, were subject to an embargo, so how they manufacture such a deal appears to be seen.

A lot of players have moved to the Saudi Pro League, yes, but there are some players, who have not moved to the Middle East, but instead have moved to Turkey’s Super League.

Here are our top three players, where maybe Saudi Clubs might regret not looking to sign.

Mauro Icardi

Argentine striker Mauro Icardi, formerly of Barcelona, Sampdoria, Inter Milan and PSG is a case of what could have been.

Icardi stats wise was up there with the premier marksman in his peak. Unfortunately, too many issues off the pitch put the brakes on a meaningful career on it.

Before moving to Champions Galatasary, Mauro Icardi was on loan at the Istanbul Giants. He did well in Turkey and now makes a permanent move after leaving Paris Saint Germain.

Yes, he comes with a reputation, but footballing-wise, I am surprised he hadn’t been snapped by anyone from the Pro League.

You could do worse than signing Mauro Icardi, this man does know where the goal is, his stats prove it.

Ryan Kent

Englishman Ryan Kent was previously at Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers. In his time North of the border, he was constantly linked with clubs in England.

Leeds were the club often linked with him and reportedly tabled a £15 million bid. In the case of the Liverpool Academy graduate, this is a tale of frustration.

Kent’s career at Rangers petered out. So much so, that the 26-year-old left Glasgow on a free transfer, Fenerbahçe have signed Ryan Kent, let’s hope they can revive his fortunes.

Sometimes, a change of scenery and a fresh start can revive a player’s fortunes. The former Liverpool should be performing at the highest level.

At 26, he’s at his peak, so this move is a make-or-break.

Edin Dzeko 

Bosnian forward Edin Dzeko, a Premier League and FA Cup winner, even at 37 years old would have been able to no doubt be a force in the Pro League.

A certain now 38-year-old, who’s the league’s star player, was signed at a similar age to what Dzeko is now.

Where ever Dzeko has been he has shone. The 37-year-old Dzeko has played for Wolfsburg, Manchester City, Roma and Inter Milan and now will be joining Fenerbahçe.

Arguably as he’s got older, he’s got better. Edin Dzeko last year was keeping Romelu Lukaku out of the Inter team.

So there you have it, our list of three players who have moved to Turkey. A mention must also be given to former Crystal Palace, Cardiff and Manchester United Wilfred Zaha.

The England-capped Ivorian international who had been a youth product at Selhurst Park has finally left the club, after the 30-year-old signed for Galatasaray.

Zaha can play out wide and down the middle, an asset for most clubs in the Pro League, but the Ivorian-born forward opted for South East Europe.

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