“It’s a Clear Plan With Saudi to Build Their Football Ecosystem” – Neymar Jr.’s Upcoming Rival Boss Details Al Hilal Challenge in Asian Champions League

Published 08/25/2023, 8:00 AM EDT

Saudi Arabia has emerged to become one of the prime destinations for soccer players. Renowned names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Roberto Firmino have already joined the league. Recently, one of Al Hilal’s rival team’s Head Coach from the recent AFC Champions League draw spoke about Saudi’s ‘clear plan’ and technique to build a soccer ecosystem.

Al Hilal is one of the main teams in Saudi Arabia who splashed the cash on several big names. With Neymar at the epicenter of their transfer strategy, other big names like Aleksander Mitrovic and Bono have joined the club.

Mumbai City’s Head Coach speaks about Saudi’s attempt to build a new ‘ecosystem’

Article continues below this ad

A few hours ago, Al Hilal was drawn into Group D for the upcoming AFC Champions League. Neymar and his team will play Nassaji Mazandaran, Navbahor, and Mumbai City. ISL giant Mumbai City’s head coach Des Buckingham recently spent some time speaking about the challenges while facing Al Hilal. He also shared his thoughts on Saudi Arabia’s recent transfer strategy.

Speaking to EssentiallySports, Buckingham revealed that he wasn’t thinking about Al Hilal. The head coach claimed that the team will be focusing on the Durand Cup. The focus will shift toward Neymar’s Al Hilal when the fixture comes closer. He quoted, “It’s gonna be a big challenge of course. It is one that we won’t shy away from.”

“The same as we don’t in the ISL, the same as we don’t in any competition. We’ll try and prepare our team and our club and our players as well as we can to try and face these challenges,” he added. Mumbai City’s Head Coach highlighted the importance of ‘showcasing’ what the Indian soccer club can do at possibly the biggest stage against the biggest teams. He then spoke about Saudi Arabia’s unique transfer strategy.

He said, “For me, it is exciting, in terms of their transfers, I think it’s a clear plan with Saudi to build their football ecosystem and this is one way that they are going about it”. Without a doubt, this will be a new experience for Mumbai City to play against Neymar and renowned world talent. On the other hand, the Brazilian soccer icon will also likely enjoy exploring new cities and countries in Asia while playing soccer in Saudi Arabia.

Apart from Neymar, which other players has Al Hilal spent loads of money on? Let’s dive deeper.

Apart from Neymar who else has Al Hilal signed for big money?

Article continues below this ad

The Saudi-based soccer club started off its transfer window by convincing Ruben Neves to join the club. They paid Wolves about $59 million as a transfer fee. Then came Kalidou Koulibaly for about $25 million from Chelsea. Followed by Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s arrival for $43 million from Lazio. Zenit St. Petersburg sold their striker Malcom for about $64 million to Al Hilal.

It was then time for the arrival of Brazilian icon Neymar garnering a lot of criticism from the fanbase. The Saudi Arabian soccer managed to acquire his services for a $97 million transfer fee to Paris Saint-Germain. Veteran goalie Bono then joined the club for about $23 million. Fulham’s Mitrovic is the latest top-tier talent who signed for the club after Fulham hesitantly accepted a $56.7 million fee. It remains to be seen how these new signings gel together as the season progresses.

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY | Meet the Legendary Tennis Player Who is 3x Richer than Cristiano Ronaldo

What do you think about Des Buckingham’s comments on Al Hilal’s transfer strategy? Let us know in the comments below.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Daniel D'Cruz is a soccer writer at EssentiallySports, with a degree in Mass Media studies. He brings a wealth of experience to his writing, having published over 1000 articles that cover everything from the dramatic sagas in the world of football to the latest happenings in the entertainment industry. Daniel is a die-hard football fan who has a deep-rooted passion for the game.

Edited by:

Jayant Chhabra

“It’s a Clear Plan With Saudi to Build Their Football Ecosystem” – Neymar Jr.’s Upcoming Rival Boss Details Al Hilal Challenge in Asian Champions League

Mumbai City’s Head Coach speaks about Saudi’s attempt to build a new ‘ecosystem’

Trending

Wrexham Star Thought His Career Was Done Before Joining Ryan Reynolds’ Side- ‘Do I Now Concentrate On Family?’

Fact Check: Is Lionel Messi’s Mother Lebanese? Uncovering the Truth Behind Celia’s Nationality

Who is Cristiano Ronaldo’s Eldest Son Cristiano Jr’s Biological Mother?

“Condolences to His Family, RIP”- Lionel Messi Mourns the Saddening Demise of Argentina Legend & Their ‘Greatest Reference’, Cesar Luis Menotti

Wrexham Duo Reacts to Being Let Go as Ryan Reynolds’ Side Releases 8 Players While Partying in Las Vegas

Apart from Neymar who else has Al Hilal signed for big money?