Saudi and Chinese clubs eye former Liverpool defender

Overseas interest begins to grow

Interest is beginning to form around a former Premier League defender whose career has taken him across multiple leagues and countries. With transfer planning underway in several regions, clubs outside Europe are now assessing experienced options who are currently unattached.

According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, clubs in Saudi Arabia and China are monitoring Tiago Ilori as a possible signing. The information was shared via Transfer News Live, which relayed Galetti’s reporting.

Ilori is available as a free agent, a factor that makes him a low risk option for teams seeking to strengthen their squads without committing to a transfer fee. No negotiations or formal offers have been reported at this stage.

Career shaped by movement across leagues

Ilori joined Liverpool from Sporting CP in 2013 but struggled to establish himself in the first team. His time at Anfield included limited appearances before a series of loan spells and subsequent permanent moves.

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Since leaving Liverpool, he has featured in several leagues including Portugal, France and England’s lower divisions. While he has gained varied experience, his career has been marked by frequent changes and short stays at clubs.

Free agent status draws attention

Being without a club places Ilori in a flexible position as teams plan their next steps. Clubs in emerging football markets such as Saudi Arabia and China have increasingly targeted free agents with European backgrounds to add depth and experience.

According to Galetti’s reporting, both regions are currently evaluating whether Ilori fits their sporting objectives and financial structures as squad planning continues.

A potential shift away from European football

There is currently no indication of which club may take the next step or whether discussions have already begun behind the scenes. For now, the situation remains exploratory.

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Should interest develop into concrete talks, Ilori could be set for a new chapter of his career outside Europe, marking a significant change after years spent moving across the continent.

Sources, Transfer News Live, reporting by Rudy Galetti

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