Since Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in January 2023, the Saudi Pro League has witnessed an influx of European football stars. Initially, the league was seen as a destination for players nearing the twilight of their careers.
Notable names like Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez, Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Fabinho, and Neymar made high-profile moves, with Neymar's €90 million transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Al Hilal marking the league's most expensive acquisition to date.
Over the past year, the league's appeal has extended beyond veterans, attracting players such as Moussa Diaby, Ivan Toney, and Joao Cancelo, as well as younger talents like Mohamed Samikan, who are yet to reach their prime.
According to TransferMarkt, the league's growth has been fueled by the Saudi Public Investment Fund's acquisition of 75% ownership in four major clubs—Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, Al Ahly, and Al Nassr. These developments indicate that the league is positioning itself for long-term growth, potentially reshaping its influence on European football.
An analysis of spending patterns reveals the league's ambitious trajectory. In the past year, Saudi clubs spent €479 million on transfers, a significant figure though still far behind the Premier League's €2.39 billion. Even during the Premier League's record-breaking window two years ago, which reached €2.91 billion, Saudi spending remained modest in comparison.
Reports suggest that Al Ittihad recently made an €85 million bid for Liverpool's Darwin Nunez, offering him a weekly salary of €400,000—substantially more than his current earnings. Though Liverpool rejected the initial offer, speculation continues about an increased bid, possibly involving other clubs within the Saudi league's top tier.
The Saudi Pro League's ambitions extend beyond individual transfers. The Guardian highlighted its potential aim to join a global Super League while targeting record-breaking deals. Mohamed Salah has emerged as a prime target, with a €300 million bid rejected by Liverpool last summer.
If Salah does not renew his contract, he could move for free in the upcoming transfer window, with Saudi clubs reportedly prepared to offer him a contract worth €200 million per season. This strategy of combining relatively moderate transfer fees with astronomical salaries reflects Saudi Arabia's intent to challenge Europe's football dominance.
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