Mason Greenwood potentially moving to a club in Saudi Arabia would be "very surprising", a senior league source has told BBC Sport.
Forward Greenwood, 21, will leave Manchester United by mutual agreement after a six-month internal investigation into his conduct.
Saudi teams have spent lavishly on big-name signings this summer and Greenwood has been discussed internally.
However, the federation feels it would not be the right move currently.
The acquisition of players in Saudi Arabia works differently to elsewhere, with the league doing the bidding or deals for players before assigning which club they will play for.