The most famous names in world football have been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia this summer. Here is a list of every major player that has made a move to the Saudi Pro League in the past few months.
The Saudi Pro League, bankrolled by the £485billion Public Investment Fund (PIF), is taking the summer market by storm.
This month the league announced that PIF had taken control of Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli, with four other teams assigned to state-backed businesses and the rest of the league to shortly follow suit.
Indeed, the goal is to make the SPL one of the best leagues in the world by sharply raising its quality, profile and revenues.
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Since, the likes of Thomas Partey, Kalidou Koulibaly, Saul, Hakim Ziyech, Ilkay Gundogan, Edouard Mendy and Bernardo Silva are among the high-profile names Saudi Arabian clubs are attempting to lure.
And while the past few weeks have seen Lionel Messi, Son Heung-Min and Romelu Lukaku all resist the lure of the league’s riches, several transfers have already been completed that are helping put the SPL on the map.
Players that have completed moves to the Saudi Pro League
Cristiano Ronaldo
On December 30, 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the game’s most famous player, signed for Al Nassr.
Since, the 38-year-old superstar, who is being paid around £156million a year, has brought massive attention to the league.
Karim Benzema
Just a day after the privatisation of the SPL, the current Ballon d'Or holder completed a free transfer from 14-time European champions Real Madrid to Al-Ittihad.
The 35-year-old France international has signed a three-year contract with the two-time Asian champions worth a reported £83million a year.
N’Golo Kante
N'Golo Kante will join the Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad when his Chelsea contract expires at the end of June.
The 2018 World Cup winner is reportedly set to earn £67million a year with the Jeddah-based club.
Players close to completing moves to the Saudi Pro League
Ruben Neves
Wolves are set to receive a club record £47million fee for the transfer of their captain to Al-Hilal.
According to Sky Sports Neves has agreed personal terms and a formal announcement is expected this week.
The midfielder is allegedly open to the move after a potential transfer to Barcelona stalled.
Topics: Football, Saudi Pro League, Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, NGolo Kante, Ruben Neves
Chris Byfield