In recent years, Kylian Mbappe’s links to Real Madrid and the rumors of Neymar returning to Barcelona have dominated the transfer market. This summer, however, a new powerhouse has emerged on the scene – the Saudi Pro League – making waves in the football transfer world.
The stage was set last year when a groundbreaking deal worth $200 million per year brought one of football’s giants, Cristiano Ronaldo, to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia from Manchester United during the January 2023 transfer window. Karim Benzema, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner and former Real Madrid teammate of Ronaldo, also raised eyebrows with his move to Al Ittihad – one of four Saudi clubs owned by the Public Investment Fund, along with Al Hilal, Al Ahli, and Al Nassr.
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Sadio Mane joined Ronaldo at Al Nassr from German champions Bayern Munich, while Riyad Mahrez headed to Al Ahli after helping Manchester City secure a continental treble. Other notable players, including N’Golo Kante, Ruben Neves, Edouard Mendy, and Kalidou Koulibaly, have also become part of the European exodus to Saudi Arabia.
The shift of these renowned players from a continent that has long dominated football naturally raised concerns. Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool, expressed worries about the Saudi transfer window closing three weeks after Europe’s, while Pep Guardiola of Manchester City noted that the Saudi league has “completely changed the market.” Klopp acknowledged that European managers now need to navigate this new landscape.
While the Saudi league has stirred debate, perhaps the harshest critique came from Barcelona president, Joan Laporta. One of Laporta’s summer targets, Marcelo Brozovic, chose Al Nassr over Barcelona, prompting Laporta to comment that the Gulf state’s gold rush had “no sporting reasons.” This implies that extravagant financial offers from Saudi clubs may be the sole incentive for players.
Despite failed attempts to secure Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, suggestions that the league lacks sporting appeal may be too harsh. While Ronaldo joined the Saudi league at 37, the move wasn’t solely about financial gain. Players like Kante, Benzema, Mahrez, Mane, Firmino, Mendy, and Telles are still instrumental for their national teams, indicating that the Saudi league isn’t just a retirement haven.
Al Nassr’s refusal to proceed with a deal for Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech due to a reported knee injury suggests a long-term vision for the Saudi league. Unlike the Chinese Super League, which injected cash to become a footballing force but faltered, the Saudi project prioritizes sustainability.
Yet, the Saudi league must still convince players in their mid-20s – the prime age for leaving a mark on the global stage – to make the Middle East their destination while maintaining their status as top talents. As it stands, Europe’s major spenders and football talent producers are now aware of a new contender in the market. The Saudi Pro League seems determined to fulfill Ronaldo’s vision of becoming “one of the top five leagues in the world.”