The Saudi Pro League went on an unprecedented spending spree, totaling $914,084,981. It started with the signing of soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo last season, with both the Barcelona President and Real Madrid’s very own, Toni Kroos, expressing concerns about players choosing the Gulf over playing in the continent. The Saudi Pro League has responded by taking a dig at the European elite.

The Saudi Pro League has become a magnet for top European soccer talents. Players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Neymar, among others, have chosen to join the Saudi league.

After signing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Pro League warns European clubs

Following Cristiano Ronaldo‘s astounding $500 million transfer to the Saudi League, celebrated faces of soccer have eagerly joined the mass exodus to Saudi. In the face of criticism, the Saudi league remains resolute in securing fresh talent.

With the league’s transfer window open until September 7, they plan to sign more players. An authorized source of Saudi Arabian soccer recently said, “If there is any interesting option, we are not going to stop in September. FIFA allows us and we are within the market rules, so we are not going to stop”

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Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day wearing local traditional clothes at Al-Nassr Football Club in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 22, 2023. Al-Nassr FC/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY

The Saudi teams, under the management of the Saudi Pro League, are vigilantly exploring potential market moves in the days ahead. Notably, the Saudi Pro League currently ranks second worldwide for the highest transfer expenditures, totaling $914,084,981 this window.

Names such as Neymar, Benzema, Kanté, Mendy, and Firmino have signed deals with Saudi clubs to play in the country this season. Notably, some credit, if not all, goes to the PIF.

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The country’s Public Investment Fund owns four of the division’s clubs (Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Nassr). As a result, the spending has been on another scale.

The spending spree of PIF-backed clubs continues

The four PIF-backed clubs enjoy an extended transfer deadline until September 7, which grants them additional time. This contrasts with most European clubs, especially in the UK, as their window concludes at 11 p.m. on Friday, September 1.

This is a problem for top-flight sides because they can see potential January targets or future signings head off to the Middle East. Interestingly, teams in Saudi Arabia can also take any players from the Premier League, and the clubs will only have free agents available at their disposal, with the transfer window shut. 

The Saudi Pro League’s lavish spending spree shows no signs of slowing down. The acquisition of Cristiano Ronaldo and other high-profile players has undoubtedly bolstered the league’s reputation on the global stage. On the other hand, European clubs face the risk of losing out on future talents due to the extended transfer window in Saudi Arabia.

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