" Cristiano came and created a sensation. I knew it would. I paved the way to the Saudi league and now all the other players are coming here," Cristiano Ronaldo said on July 13. Indeed, just half a year after Al Nassr recruited the Portuguese superstar, the Saudi Pro League witnessed a wave of players from Europe's top leagues.
Neymar's transfer from PSG to Al Hilal has been the hottest football news in the world in the past 48 hours. To get the signature of the Brazilian superstar, the Saudi Arabian team had to spend up to 250 million euros. Of which, 90 million euros were paid immediately to PSG (excluding additional fees), and 160 million euros went straight into Neymar's personal pocket.
Neymar is the next star to join the Saudi Pro League.
This is the next big signing for Al Hilal in this summer transfer window. Previously, they had the services of famous names such as defender Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea, former Lazio captain Sergei Milinkovic-Savic and Ruben Neves.
One of Al Hilal's two rivals is Al Nassr, where Ronaldo plays. After successfully recruiting one of the biggest icons of contemporary football, Al Nassr has become a magnet for many more stars. Sadio Mane, Alex Telles, Marcelo Brozovic and David Ospina have joined Ronaldo's team.
The team that has recruited the most is probably Al Ahli. The team that finished second to last in the Saudi Pro League last season has spent a lot of money to change the squad. Up front, they have a trio that is still at the peak of its form: Riyad Mahrez from Man City (30 million euros), Roberto Firmino from Liverpool (free transfer) and Allan Saint-Maximin from Newcastle (27 million euros). In addition, there is Edouard Mendy (Chelsea), Roger Ibanez (AS Roma) and Franck Kessie (Barcelona).
Not to be outdone, Al Ittihad Club - the reigning champion of Saudi Arabia - also caused a stir when successfully recruiting Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante and Fabinho.
World football stars flock to Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Pro League is emerging as one of the most notable leagues in the world. With the appearance of Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo and a series of other big stars, the attraction of this tournament to fans around the world is not inferior to the top European national championships.
The influx of European players into Saudi Arabia echoes a trend that has previously occurred in Chinese football. However, it is worth noting that the stars who have come to the Saudi Arabian Premier League are not necessarily old, out-of-favour players looking for a place to hang out in the final stages of their careers. Before leaving Europe, most of them have maintained their form and proven their ability to continue playing at the top level.
"Within a year, there will be many top players coming to Saudi Arabia. This tournament will surpass Turkey and the Netherlands," Cristiano Ronaldo said not long ago. The appearance of the Portuguese superstar is probably an important factor that makes Saudi Arabian clubs willing to spend a lot of money to buy contemporary stars in Europe.
Ronaldo is probably right when he says that the Saudi Arabian Premier League is better than MLS - where Lionel Messi plays. The list of stars who have just landed in the Saudi Pro League is clearly overwhelming in terms of quantity and popularity compared to the US Major League Soccer.
Cristiano Ronaldo has proven once again that he is still the center of attention in world football. Even when he leaves one of the top leagues, the Portuguese superstar's fame and influence are enough to create - or promote - another environment with great appeal.
The 2023 summer transfer window in Europe is not over yet. The flight carrying stars from the old continent to Saudi Arabia is still waiting for the next guests. Aymeric Laporte - Champions League champion with Man City - is likely to be the name that will soon join Ronaldo's team.
Top stars leave Europe for Saudi Arabia to follow Ronaldo
Al Hilal: Neymar, Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergei Milinkovic-Savic, Ruben Neves.
Al Ittihad: Karim Benzema, Fabinho, N'Golo Kante.
Al Ahli: Ryaz Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Allan Saint-Maximin, Edouard Mendy, Roger Ibanez and Franck Kessie.
Al Nassr: Sadio Mane, Alex Telles, Marcelo Brozovic, David Ospina.
Al Ettifaq: Jordan Henderson, Moussa Dembele.
Ha An
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