Saudi Arabian clubs have shaken up the footballing world this summer, offering massive amounts of money for some of the sport’s top talents.
Heading to leagues outside of Europe used to be a decision that players made at the end of their careers, but now more and more young players are now choosing to spend the peaks of their careers in traditionally smaller leagues due to the enormous amounts of money that they are being offered.
It was reported earlier that superstar Kylian Mbappé could potentially be making the move over to the Middle East, it what would be a landmark move for the league.
Here are the biggest names to arrive in Saudi Arabia over the last couple of months, ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Al-Ittihad – N’Golo Kanté, Karim Benzema and Jota
Defending champions Al-Ittihad made a huge statement when they signed two of the best players of their generation in N’Golo Kanté and Karim Benzema from Chelsea and Real Madrid respectively.
Whilst both players are at the back ends of their careers, Benzema is the reigning Ballon D’Or holder after a magnificent end to his Real Madrid career, and Kanté was named as man-of-the-match in the UEFA Champions League final just two years ago. Highly-rated Portuguese winger Jota, aged just 24, signed from Celtic for £25 million despite interest from clubs across Europe
Al-Ahli – Edouard Mendy, Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez
Al-Ahli have added three Champions League winners to their squad over the past month, with former Chelsea number one Edouard Mendy and Liverpool fan favourite Roberto Firmino already signed and Manchester City’s wing wizard Riyad Mahrez expected to be announced soon.
Signing three of the English Premier League’s top players in one window is a serious display of intent, especially with all three capable of playing at the top level for at least a couple more seasons.
Al-Hilal – Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
Wolves captain Ruben Neves, Chelsea and Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly and Lazio man Sergej Milinkovic-Savic have all made the move over to Saudi Arabia in the last month. Neves and Milinkovic-Savic are 26 and 28 years old respectively and have been linked with some of Europe’s top sides over previous windows, so it is surprising to see them make the move to a new continent at this stage in their careers.
Al-Nassr – Marcelo Brozovic, Hakim Ziyech, Alex Telles and Seko Fofana
With footballing legend Cristiano Ronaldo making the move over to Al-Nassr earlier this year, Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic has followed suit along with Ivorian Seko Fofana and Manchester United left back Alex Telles. Hakim Ziyech is expected to make the move over from Chelsea to help form a strong squad that wouldn’t look out of place in European knockout competition.
Al-Ettifaq – Jordan Henderson
Not yet announced as an official transfer, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been reportedly offered £700,000 per week to play for Steven Gerrard’s side and the deal should be concluded soon. Aside from Henderson, Al-Ettifaq haven’t been heavily linked with many other big-name stars but will surely look to add more players to their squad on top of the England midfielder.
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