Cristiano Ronaldo’s epic leap to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League has not only revolutionized the sporting arena but also completely transformed the way we view transfer windows in the fast-paced and ever-changing realm of football.
The Saudi Pro League has embarked on a jaw-dropping spending spree, poised to shake the very foundations of the beautiful game. With the recent acquisition of Cristiano Ronaldo causing shockwaves across the globe, Saudi football authorities are far from satisfied. They have unleashed an unprecedented assault on the transfer market, determined to lure some of the world’s most illustrious names to join the ranks of CR7.
The domino effect began with the sensational signing of Karim Benzema, who left Real Madrid in a move that left fans and pundits alike stunned. But that was just the tip of the iceberg. Since Benzema’s groundbreaking transfer, the rumor mill has been working overtime, linking an array of high-profile European players to potential moves to Saudi Arabia.
As the summer unfolds, brace yourself for an enthralling rollercoaster ride of transfers and surprises. Fear not, for we are here to keep you in the loop, ensuring you won’t miss a beat as the Saudi Pro League flexes its financial muscle in the pursuit of footballing greatness.
Read More: Saudi Arabia’s PIF takeover top clubs in the Saudi Pro League
Unbelievable but True
1. Karim Benzema to Al-Ittihad
Karim Benzema has made a stunning move from Real Madrid to Al-Ittihad, catching everyone off guard. Swapping the famous white jersey for a new adventure, the offer from Al-Ittihad proved too irresistible for the talented striker to resist. The mind-boggling figures involved? A mind-blowing €200 million (£172m/$213m) per season!
2. Ngolo Kante to Al-Ittihad
The Kante saga at Chelsea took an unexpected twist as the club eagerly sought to secure his contract extension at Stamford Bridge. For a while, it appeared that their wish would come true, but fate had other plans. In a surprising turn of events, the midfielder ultimately chose to join forces with Al-Ittihad, leaving Chelsea fans in disbelief.
Reports suggest that while Kante’s earnings may be slightly less than Benzema’s astronomical deal, they are still undeniably lucrative. The French maestro has inked a three-year agreement with the Saudi champions, solidifying his new chapter in football.
3. Ruben Neves to Al-Hilal
Neves’ transfer to Al-Hilal carries a unique flavor. Despite being a young and talented midfielder with ample years ahead of him, he had openly yearned for a taste of Champions League football not long ago. However, the next chapter of his career will see him donning the Al-Hilal jersey, following an impressive €55 million (£47m/$60m) deal struck with Wolves.
4. Kalidou Koulibaly to Al-Hilal
Koulibaly’s decision to leave Napoli for Chelsea must have been tinged with regret as he witnessed his former club finally clinch the Scudetto after a long wait. While his former teammates, led by the likes of Kvaradona, were making waves in European competitions, Koulibaly found himself grappling with challenges during his stint at Stamford Bridge. However, it seems that his time in west London will come to an end this summer, as the Senegal international has reached an agreement to join Al-Hilal.
5. Edouard Mendy to Al-Ahli
Mendy’s journey throughout the 2022-23 season was undoubtedly filled with challenges. Battling through a series of injuries, he endured a turbulent period that saw him lose the coveted No.1 goalkeeper position at Chelsea to Kepa Arrizabalaga. To add to the mix, rumors circulated that the incoming Chelsea manager, Mauricio Pochettino, favored Kepa as his preferred choice between the posts. With these circumstances unfolding, Mendy found an opportunity to embark on a new chapter.
On June 28, the news broke confirming Mendy as Al-Ahli’s inaugural marquee signing, marking a significant moment in his career. This move provides the talented goalkeeper with a fresh start, offering the chance to showcase his skills and regain his form after a challenging season at Chelsea.
6. Marcelo Brozovic to Al-Nassr
For quite some time, Brozovic has consistently proven himself as one of the world’s top defensive midfielders. His exceptional skills were further highlighted when he started in the 2023 Champions League final for Inter. However, an unfortunate injury temporarily led to his place in the first team being taken over by Hakan Calhanoglu. Capitalizing on the strained relationship between Brozovic and the Nerazzurri, Al-Nassr swooped in and secured his services in July.
7. Steven Gerrard to Al-Ettifaq
The Gerrard-Al-Ettifaq saga took an unexpected twist, with initial reports indicating that the former Aston Villa manager had withdrawn himself from the running for the position. Just when it seemed like the deal was off the table, a few weeks later, Gerrard surprised everyone by changing his mind. The news of his arrival was finally confirmed, leaving fans and pundits intrigued by the sudden turnaround.
8. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Al-Hilal
After a protracted pursuit by Manchester United, the highly sought-after Milinkovic-Savic is set to depart Lazio. However, the destination he’s chosen may come as a surprise to many. Instead of donning the iconic red jersey of Old Trafford, the all-action midfielder is bound for the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal emerging as his new club.
Reports suggest that Al-Hilal has secured Milinkovic-Savic’s services in a deal worth approximately €40m ($44m/£34m).
9. Roberto Firmino to Al-Ahli
Firmino bid farewell to Anfield in a magnificent fashion, delivering crucial goals in his last two matches for Liverpool. These impressive strikes served as a testament to his enduring quality and ability to perform at the highest level. Rumors circulated that Real Madrid had expressed interest in the Brazilian forward after Benzema’s decision to depart, recognizing Firmino’s talent. However, it was Al-Ahli who ultimately sealed the deal and secured his services.
10. Jota to Al-Ittihad
Al Ittihad has finalized a significant £25m transfer for Jota from Celtic. The Portuguese winger bids farewell to the Scottish Premiership champions after a successful two-season stint with the club. During his time at Celtic, the 24-year-old made a tremendous impact, notching up an impressive tally of 15 goals and 12 assists last season alone, contributing significantly to the Hoops’ triumphant domestic treble.
Rumour Mill
1. Jesse Lingard’s Next Destination?
With his release from Nottingham Forest at the close of last season, Jesse Lingard’s future has become the subject of much speculation. The midfielder’s stint at Forest was underwhelming, failing to make a significant impact on the pitch. Lingard’s recent comments about a potential move to Saudi Arabia have further fueled the rumors, as he expressed openness to considering any club that aligns with his ambitions.
When questioned about a potential Saudi Arabian move, Lingard stated that he hasn’t ruled out any team or club. However, he emphasized the importance of finding the right fit—a team with a promising project, heading in the right direction. Lingard’s main priority is regular game time, as he remains motivated, hungry, and committed to making an impact wherever he goes.
2. Riyad Mahrez to Al-Ahli
Mahrez’s instrumental role in Manchester City’s triumphant treble-winning season may have marked the end of his journey in a sky-blue shirt. According to reports from Foot Mercato, Saudi officials have expressed interest in the talented winger, with Al-Ahli emerging as a potential destination. The lure of Saudi Arabian football seems strong, as Mahrez has allegedly been presented with an astonishing contract offer worth €50 million (£42.9m/$54.6m) per season.
3. Neymar to Al-Hilal
As summer arrives, so does the inevitable speculation surrounding Neymar’s future, and this year proves to be no exception. The Brazilian superstar has found himself at the center of numerous transfer rumors, with talks of a potential departure from Paris Saint-Germain gaining momentum. While Neymar is reportedly eager for a return to Barcelona, the financial challenges plaguing the club could complicate a reunion.
However, a potential destination other than the expected ones has emerged: Al-Hilal. This Saudi club, backed by significant financial resources, could easily meet Neymar’s salary demands, making it an appealing option for the talented forward. As the transfer window progresses, all eyes are on whether Al-Hilal can successfully secure Neymar’s services, creating a sensational signing that would capture the attention of football fans worldwide.
4. Hugo Lloris to ???
Moving on to another player, Hugo Lloris has made his intentions clear to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer, despite having one more year on his current contract. Reports indicate that an undisclosed Saudi club has made a substantial offer to the French goalkeeper, reportedly offering three times his current weekly salary of £100,000. As Lloris enters the later stages of his career, this decision presents a challenging proposition that may be difficult for him to resist. Football enthusiasts eagerly await to see how this situation unfolds and where Lloris will end up next.
5. David de Gea to ???
David De Gea’s future at Manchester United took an unexpected turn this summer. While it was initially anticipated that he would continue with the club, tensions arose when the Red Devils tried to renegotiate his wages to a lower amount than what was initially agreed upon. Faced with this situation, the Spanish goalkeeper made the decision to part ways with Manchester United, concluding his remarkable 12-season stint with the club.
6. Jordi Alba to ???
Following Sergio Busquets’ departure from Camp Nou, another long-serving Barcelona player, Jordi Alba, has exited the club this summer. Speculations have been rife about Alba potentially reuniting with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami in the MLS. Reports suggest that he might have even reached an agreement on personal terms with the American club. However, an alternative scenario has emerged, with the possibility of Alba making a move to the Saudi Pro League.
7. Romelu Lukaku to Al-Hilal
There are indications that Chelsea could potentially sell Romelu Lukaku to the Saudi Pro League as well. Initially rejecting Al-Ahli’s approach, the Belgian striker is now reportedly considering an improved offer from the club, as per information from Marco Conterio. While Lukaku had expressed a desire to return to Inter, negotiations in that direction have encountered obstacles, opening up the possibility of a move to Saudi Arabia instead.
8. Fabinho to Al-Ittihad
Fabinho, known for his loyalty and dedication to Liverpool, experienced a somewhat disappointing season in 2022-23. As the club transitions into a new era, the Brazilian midfielder may be enticed to explore new opportunities. Reports suggest that Al-Ittihad has made a bid of £40m ($52.3m) to secure his services from the Premier League club.
9. Jordan Henderson to Al-Ettifaq
Steven Gerrard, the new manager of a Al-Ettifaq, reportedly harbors hopes of securing Jordan Henderson as his marquee summer signing. The potential move could see the Liverpool captain earning a substantial weekly wage of up to £700,000 if he chooses to end his remarkable 12-year tenure at Anfield and opts for a transfer to Saudi Arabia. However, such a move could spark controversy given Henderson’s previous vocal support for LGBT+ rights.
Unlikely Transfers
1. Hakim Ziyech’s Al-Nassr Dream
The Ronaldo Connection Denied It seemed like the perfect pairing—a potential reunion between Hakim Ziyech and Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. After missing out on a loan move to Paris Saint-Germain, Ziyech was all set to embark on a new adventure with a three-year deal in Saudi Arabia. However, fate had other plans. A routine medical examination revealed an unexpected knee issue, dashing the hopes of the transfer and leaving Ziyech in a state of uncertainty.
2. Bernardo Silva
Manchester City’s Unyielding Midfield Maestro The past two summers witnessed whispers of Bernardo Silva’s potential departure from Manchester City. Yet, his decision to stay proved to be a stroke of brilliance, as Pep Guardiola’s side clinched an illustrious treble last season. Despite recent rumors resurfacing, linking Silva to Al-Hilal, reports from The Athletic suggest that the Portuguese playmaker is likely to reject the opportunity. Barcelona and PSG remain as enticing options, keeping fans guessing about Silva’s next move.
3. Luka Modric’s Tempting Saudi Offer
The Madrid Maestro Remains Former teammates at Real Madrid, Karim Benzema and Al-Hilal had their sights set on enticing Luka Modric to Saudi Arabia this summer. The Saudi club reportedly made a staggering offer of €200 million over three years to secure the services of the Croatian midfield maestro. However, Modric’s commitment to Real Madrid triumphed over the tempting transfer, as he recently extended his stay with the Spanish giants.
4. Wilfried Zaha’s Palace Legend Status
Sunset Rides and Career Choices Wilfried Zaha’s legacy as a Crystal Palace legend is unquestioned, and this summer could mark his departure from the club. Initially, a move to Al-Nassr alongside Ronaldo seemed likely, but the Ivorian forward has since declined their advances. Rumors have linked Zaha to PSG, with his desire to compete in the Champions League fueling his ambition for the upcoming season.
5. Son Heung-min: The Premier League Pride Prevails
In June, Son Heung-min made his stance clear, ruling out any possibility of a move to the Saudi Pro League. After a match with the South Korean national team, he emphasized his dedication to the Premier League, stating that money holds no sway over his priorities. The pride of playing in his favorite league remains paramount for the talented Tottenham Hotspur forward, putting an end to any lingering rumors.
6. Jose Mourinho’s Future
Staying Put at Roma Despite Saudi Interest Speculations surrounding Jose Mourinho’s next move swirled at the end of last season. Both Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli were rumored to have approached the former Real Madrid boss. However, despite falling short in the Europa League final, Mourinho appears set to continue his managerial journey with Roma, turning down the Saudi offers and opting for a new challenge in Italy.
Is Saudi Arabia Becoming a Retirement League?
The recent transfer targets of Saudi Arabian clubs, including Ronaldo, Benzema, Messi, Kante, Modric, Neymar, and Aubameyang, have raised questions about the perception of Saudi Arabia as a potential “retirement league.” These players, all in their thirties and past their peak, have been linked to moves to Saudi clubs. While this trend is understandable to some extent, it highlights broader dynamics in modern football.
The sport has become heavily centered around Europe, with the concept of a “Big Five” league dominance becoming somewhat outdated. Leagues like Ligue 1, Serie A, and the Bundesliga have often served as talent feeders for the English Premier League, which holds the majority of financial power in the game. Consequently, it becomes challenging to entice players, particularly those in their mid-20s, to venture beyond Europe. This has been evident in the experiences of Major League Soccer (MLS) in attracting top talent, with only a few exceptions like Messi.
While Saudi Arabia may have successfully attracted veteran players, it is unlikely that there will be a sudden influx of younger stars following the footsteps of a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner to leagues outside Europe. The concentration of wealth and competition in the European football landscape remains a significant factor in player choices and transfer dynamics.
As the footballing landscape evolves, it will be intriguing to see how the balance of power and player migration develops, with both established stars and emerging talents evaluating their career paths in an ever-changing global game.
The Saudi Pro League: Ambitions and Grand Plans for Football’s Future
When Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his belief that the Saudi Pro League would become an elite competition in the coming years, skepticism arose. After all, one could argue that he had his own motives for making such a statement, considering his lucrative contract with Al-Nassr. However, Ronaldo’s words shed light on the ambitions of not only the league but also the country itself.
Ronaldo has been refreshingly candid about the challenges faced by Saudi Arabian football, particularly in terms of infrastructure. He remains determined to change the perception of the Saudi Pro League, especially in Europe.
His comments resonated with the experiences of past footballing eras, such as Fulham’s deliberate strategy in the 1970s to recruit seasoned players like Bobby Moore, George Best, and Rodney Marsh. These legends, past their prime, brought unbridled joy, brilliant skill, and rich entertainment to the team, while also attracting larger crowds and inspiring younger players to join the club.
Similarly, in Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced the acquisition of the country’s largest clubs by the sovereign wealth fund PIF. Alongside this, there will be significant investments in the wider football league and efforts to lure Europe’s celebrated players to join the Saudi clubs. The goal is to create a highly competitive and top-quality league that propels Saudi Arabia into the top 10 in the world.
The vision is not solely focused on recruiting fading superstars but also on nurturing rising talents, both domestic and foreign, to create a robust footballing nation. This plan also aligns with the broader aim of promoting sports and fitness in a nation grappling with health issues.
Moreover, the ambitions extend beyond football, with hopes of international recognition and the possibility of hosting the World Cup. Saudi Arabia’s push into professional sports is evident in other realms too, such as the creation of the LIV golf tour, which has sparked controversy but is gaining acceptance and potentially seeking collaboration with established circuits.
In the Saudi system, each PIF-owned club will target a minimum of three renowned names, ensuring a fair distribution of talent and creating a competitive and appealing league. The aspiration is to establish a Saudi Arabian “Big Four” with Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr, and Al-Hilal, drawing inspiration from the successful model of the Premier League.
While doubling the market value of the Pro League within the next seven years is an ambitious goal, the Saudi ambitions, backed by significant financial resources, cannot be underestimated. The future of the Saudi Pro League holds promise, and with time, patience, and ongoing efforts, it has the potential to become one of the top leagues globally.
In the realm of Saudi Arabian investment, anything seems possible. The Pro League’s rise to prominence is not beyond the realm of possibility, driven by ambition and the immense financial backing behind it. As the footballing world watches the developments in Saudi Arabia with intrigue, the coming years may redefine the landscape of football and its power dynamics.
