Recent signings of Premier League stars by the Saudi Pro League, including the potential additions of Ruben Neves and Edouard Mendy, have sparked curiosity about the motivations behind the trend.
Despite Gary Neville’s appeal to suspend player transfers to Saudi Arabia in the name of “integrity”, the flurry of deals over the past week suggests there is no sign of a pause.
Last Friday, Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Ruben Neves, 26, joined Al Hilal for a club record fee of £47 million, a major milestone for the Molineux club. Additionally, Chelsea goalkeeper Edward Mendy has emerged as the latest high-profile player linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League. The league has already secured the signings of celebrities such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kante, albeit in the latter stages of their careers. There were even rumors of Lionel Messi possibly joining the league before his move to America. Additionally, players at the peak of their careers have attracted interest, including Chelsea’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Hakeem Zech, as well as Arsenal’s Thomas Partey. These signings underline the league’s ambitions to be among the top five leagues worldwide.
The rise in activity has been questioned by figures such as former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville. In June, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which already owns Newcastle United, confirmed the acquisition of four of the country’s leading clubs, including Al Nasr, who signed Cristiano Ronaldo in December. What was signed? While uncertainty remains over PIF’s stake in Chelsea’s ultimate owners, private equity firm Clearlake Capital, club sources have denied claims of direct involvement.
Neville has advocated for the Premier League to ban quick transfers to preserve the integrity of the game. He insists on a comprehensive review of the transaction and the need to investigate Chelsea’s ownership structure and possible wrongful transfer cases. Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules have forced English clubs such as Chelsea and Wolves to make strategic decisions in player recruitment to comply with the Premier League’s three-year cap on losses (£105 million).
Chelsea’s significant transfer spending of over £400 million last season and Wolves’ £46.1 million loss last year have made it difficult for both clubs to comply with FFP regulations. Wolves had initially expected Neves to join Barcelona this summer, but a surprise £47million deal with Al Hilal for the Portuguese midfielder exceeded their expectations.
Although UEFA has declined to comment on the matter, it does not ban multi-club ownership, while the Premier League is required to ensure that both commercial and transfer transactions are carried out at market value. , uses a fair value valuation system. FIFA’s transfer matching system serves a similar purpose.
The Saudi Pro League aims to enhance its reputation and global presence through increased investment in football. The league has a long established history and has gained significant interest in recent years hosting Formula 1 races, hosting high-profile boxing bouts, and establishing LIV Golf. The controversial takeover of Newcastle United further exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s tendency to use the sport as a means of introducing itself to a wider audience. Additionally, a joint bid for the 2030 World Cup with Egypt and Greece is underway.
While the Chinese Super League has drawn comparisons for its initial spending spree, the Saudi Pro League is believed to be built on more sustainable foundations. Senior league sources emphasize the league’s establishment since the 1970s, a passionate fan base, and its status as the number one sport in the country. He says funding for the league is secure and part of a long-term plan, distinguishing it from the short-term Chinese model. The recent announcement that the top four clubs will be 75% owned by the PIF rather than the state marks a shift towards a more business-oriented approach. The league aspires not only to attract top players but also to transform the economy of the game by promoting the growth of clubs, companies and brands.
The rise of the Saudi Pro League presents a challenge for European football, as it risks losing prime players to the lure of lucrative salaries. European clubs, even those in the top 20 on Deloitte’s rich list, must contend with financial constraints and abide by regulations. If they try to compete financially, it could have a significant impact on their biggest expense: player salaries.
Additionally, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on the Champions League, as the absence of football’s biggest names could hurt the competition. However, UEFA president Aleksandar Ceferin believes that investing in academies, developing local coaches, and nurturing home-grown talent are crucial to football’s growth, as opposed to relying solely on the signing of aging players.
As the Saudi Pro League continues its aggressive recruitment strategy, European clubs face the complex task of retaining top talent while maintaining financial stability within the regulatory framework. The long-term results of the league’s ambitions and increased spending remain to be seen, as achieving its goal of becoming one of the world’s top leagues will require sustained investment and strategic growth.
