Best-paid players in the Saudi Pro League: Offering crazy contracts to players is the way that Saudi Arabia have conducted their business this summer, with many European stars moving to the country this summer.
While Kylian Mbappe might not be joining the list, there are several prolific players that have made the move to the Saudi Pro League this summer. And here are the best-paid players in the Saudi Pro League.
Top 10 best-paid players in the Saudi Pro League
10. Ruben Neves – €14 million
The former Wolves midfielder had an agreement on personal terms with Barcelona. But, the Spanish side never made a formal offer to sign him. As a result, it opened the opportunity for Al Hilal to swoop in and sign him for a fee worth €50 million. The player has agreed a multi-year deal worth €14 million with his new club, making him 10th of the best-paid players in the Saudi Pro League.
9. Seko Fofana – €15 million
After captaining Lens to a second-place finish in Ligue 1, Seko Fofana has made the move to Al Nassr. The midfielder will be a valuable addition to his new club, and is earning a wage worth €15 million in the Gulf State.
8. Jota – €15 million
Former Sporting CP winger Jota matches Fofana with a salary worth €15 million. Jota is young, unlike many of the players that have made the move to Saudi Arabia this summer. And he is expected to be a major part of the club’s plans going forward.
7. Sergej Milinkovic Savic – €20 million
After years of speculation over his future, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has finally left Lazio to sign for Al Hilal. The midfielder earns a salary worth €20 million per season, eclipsing what he earned with the Italian club by a significant margin. He was signed for a fee in the region of €40 million, amidst interest from several top European clubs.
6. Roberto Firmino – €22 million
Roberto Firmino signed for Al Ahli as a free agent after leaving Liverpool this summer. The Brazilian has penned a €22 million contract with the Saudi club to start the next challenge of his career.
5. Kalidou Koulibaly – €25 million
Koulibaly left Chelsea after only one season, where he failed to live up to expectations. And now, he ranks fifth among the best-paid players in the Saudi Pro League.
4. Marcelo Brozovic – €25 million
A rather shocking transfer considering Brozovic had several years remaining on his contract with Inter, the Croatian was signed for a fee in the region of €20 million, and earns a salary worth €25 million per season at Al Nassr.
3. N’Golo Kante – €100 million
N’Golo Kante left Chelsea upon the end of his contract, signalling the end of an era at Stamford Bridge. The France international signed for Al Ittihad, and earns a massive salary worth €100 million per season, ranking him third among the best-paid players in the Saudi Pro League.
2. Karim Benzema – €200 million
The reigning Ballon d’Or winner was the first player to make the move to Saudi Arabia this summer. Benzema left Real Madrid after Al Ittihad made an eye watering offer worth €200 million to the player. He left Real Madrid after 14 years, winning every trophy available multiple times, and in spite of having agreed a new contract verbally with Los Blancos.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – €200 million
Ronaldo ranks first among the best-paid players in the Saudi Pro League, commanding a salary worth in excess of €200 million. The striker signed for Al Nassr after leaving Manchester United, and paved the way for other European players to join the Saudi Pro League.