In recent years, the Saudi Pro League has witnessed a financial transformation, attracting some of the globe’s brightest football talents, thanks to the substantial investment from the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
This article by Sports Weez delves into the top 10 most expensive transfers in the history of the Saudi Pro League.
10. Sadio Mane – €30m (Bayern to Al-Nassr, 2023)
Sadio Mane, a Liverpool legend, made a surprising move to Bayern Munich in 2023, hoping to fill Robert Lewandowski’s shoes.
However, his stint with Bayern didn’t live up to expectations, leading to his transfer to Al-Nassr in August 2023.
9. Riyad Mahrez – €35m (Man City to Al-Ahli, 2023)
After years of success at Manchester City, Riyad Mahrez sought a new challenge. His departure from Man City marked the end of an era for one of the Premier League’s modern greats.
8. Gabri Veiga – €40m (Celta Vigo to Al-Ahli, 2023)
Gabri Veiga’s €40 million move from Celta Vigo to Al-Ahli in August 2023 shocked the footballing world.
Despite being courted by European giants, the 21-year-old chose Saudi Arabia, becoming the first ‘wonderkid’ to reject a major European transfer for the Saudi Pro League.
7. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – €42m (Lazio to Al-Hilal, 2023)
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, long linked with Manchester United, left Lazio in 2023. However, his destination surprised many, as he joined Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
6. Fabinho – €46.7m (Liverpool to Al-Ittihad, 2023)
Fabinho, once pivotal to Liverpool’s success, moved to Al-Ittihad in 2023. His €46.7 million transfer fee made him Al-Ittihad’s record signing, joining other stars like Benzema and Kante.
5. Aleksandar Mitrovic – €52.5m (Fulham to Al-Hilal, 2023)
After weeks of speculation, Aleksandar Mitrovic finally joined Al-Hilal in mid-August, leaving Fulham as their record departure. He became the fifth most expensive signing in Saudi Arabian history.
4. Ruben Neves – €55m (Wolves to Al-Hilal, 2023)
Ruben Neves’ €55 million move from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Al-Hilal marked a historic transfer, as he became the first player from Europe’s top five leagues to move to Saudi Arabia during his prime.
3. Malcom – €60m (Zenit to Al-Hilal, 2023)
Malcom’s prolific spell at Zenit earned him a €60 million transfer to Al-Hilal, making him one of the most expensive signings in the Saudi Pro League’s history.
2. Otavio – €60m (Porto to Al-Nassr, 2023)
Porto’s Otavio transitioned to Al-Nassr in 2023, embarking on a new challenge in the Saudi Pro League alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane.
1. Neymar – €90m (PSG to Al-Hilal, 2023)
In a stunning move, Neymar joined Al-Hilal for a record-breaking €90 million, cementing his status as one of the Saudi Pro League’s most expensive signings ever. This transfer marked the pinnacle of the league’s financial prowess.
These transfers illustrate the Saudi Pro League’s emergence as a footballing powerhouse, attracting top talents from around the world. With the impending transfer window, the league continues to make waves in the footballing landscape.