Saudi Arabia has become a key destination for some of the Premier League’s former stars as of late since Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Al-Nassr in 2023.
Since then, stars like Ruben Neves, Ivan Toney and Fabinho have all been drawn from England’s top flight to join the Saudi Pro League, with the big money offers too much to refuse.
However, this summer has seen two major deals for Saudi fall through, with Al-Hilal’s mega-money pursuits of Bruno Fernandes and Victor Osimhen.
The Saudi giants were offering Manchester United a £100 million transfer fee for their captain, with Fernandes offered a £200 million contract, which he turned down to continue leading Ruben Amorim’s rebuild.
After their failed attempt of signing Fernandes, Al-Hilal pursued Victor Osimhen in the hopes of securing the tralent striker for the Club World Cup.
However, Osimhen rejected the move, instead wanting to make his temporary loan-move to Galatasaray last season permanent and leave Napoli altogether.
Now though, it’s Al-Najmah who have had their deal collapse, with former Manchester United defender Eric Bailly no longer moving to the Unaizah-based club.
Bailly joined United in 2016 from Villarreal for £33 million, spending seven years with the club, helping to win a Europa League title, the Community Shield and the Carabao Cup.
Since leaving Old Trafford back in 2023 to join Besiktas on a free transfer, the centre-back has only had year long stints with the Turkish side and then moved on a free to former club, Villarreal.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has reported that Bailly has decided to leave negotiations despite a verbal agreement being in place.
The Ivory Coast international is currently clubless after leaving Villarreal at the end of the season when his contract expired.
Now, Eric Bailly is looking for his next club, however with the 31-year-old walking away from the Saudi side, there’s still no indication where he’ll be playing next.
🚨❌ Eric Bailly’s transfer to Saudi side Al Najmah SC has collapsed after verbal agreement done.
Bailly decided to leave the negotiations. pic.twitter.com/zzVQT2zBLd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 23, 2025
