For diversification of the economy through sports and entertainment, the Public Investment Fund or PIF of Saudi Arabia acquired a 75% stake in four elite clubs in the Saudi Pro League. That included multiple AFC Champions League winners Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, league champions Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr with whom Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo already plays for. As a case, these clubs have the financial muscle to acquire top footballing talents from Europe from veterans to even youngsters.
The summer transfer window for the 2023/24 season has been nothing like the previous one. Europe has now got a market which they are having a competition with. Stars are flying in to experience a different league. Many transfers never thought of before have gone through with sky-high wages breaking records of dealing. The transfer window in Saudi Arabia opened on July 1, 2023 and will run until 20th September 2023. So, more fascinating deals will be in motion for another few weeks.
Here are the list of notable transfers from Europe that the Saudi Pro League have completed so far:
PIF Backed
Al-Ittihad
Fabinho (from Liverpool)
Jota (from Celtic)
Karim Benzema (from Real Madrid)
N'Golo Kanté (from Chelsea)
Al-Nassr
Otávio (From FC Porto)
Sadio Mané (from Bayern Munich)
Aymeric Laporte (from Manchester City)
Seko Fofana (from RC Lens)
Marcelo Brozovic (From Inter Milan)
Alex Telles (from Manchester United)
Al-Hilal
Neymar (from PSG)
Malcom (from Zenit)
Rúben Neves (from Wolves)
Aleksandar Mitrovic (from Fulham)
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (from Lazio)
Kalidou Koulibaly (from Chelsea)
Yassine Bounou (from Sevilla)
Al-Ahli
Gabri Veiga (from Celta Vigo)
Riyad Mahrez (from Manchester City)
Roger Ibañez (from AS Roma)
Allan Saint-Maximin (from Newcastle)
Merih Demiral (from Atalanta)
Franck Kessié (from Barcelona)
Roberto Firmino (from Liverpool)
Ezgjan Alioski (from Fenerbache)
Without PIF Backed
The clubs who have not found backing from PIF have also tried to lure talents from Europe. Barring a few, the transfers have not matched the same levels as the one supported by PIF. However, they are good enough to thrive in the Saudi League.
Al Ettifaq
Jordan Henderson (from Liverpool)
Jack Hendry (from Club Brugge)
Moussa Dembélé (from Lyon)
Al-Akhdoud
Álex Collado (from Real Betis)
Al-Riyadh
Juanmi (from Real Betis on loan)
Abha
Karl Toko Ekambi (from Lyon)
Ciprian Tatarusanu (from AC Milan)
Al-Fayha FC
Fashion Sakala (From Rangers)
