The Saudi Pro League has been steadily gaining global attention in recent times. Football clubs in the oil-rich country are signing some of world’s most high profile players lately. With both Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema now plying their trade in Saudi Arabia after being offered highly lucrative contracts, a host of other big names are following suit.
Four Chelsea players, namely, Ngoio Kante, Eduard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Hakim Ziyech along with Arsenal Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey have joined the Saudi train, causing growing concerns within the English Premier League hierarchy. Also, the 26-year-old Ruben Neves chooses to leave Europe after Wolves accepted a £47.2m ($60m) offer from Al Hilal to the astonishment of many observers of the round leather game.
The transfer of Neves shocked a lot of fans as he was constantly linked with the likes of Barcelona and Man United. European football is often considered the pinnacle of the sport at club level, largely down to the Champions League.
Why players are going to Saudi Arabia instead of staying in Europe? The simple answer is money. Most footballers will retire from the sport in their late thirties, providing they haven’t been forced into an early end by injuries. Therefore, maximising their earnings can often be a priority over competing for bigger trophies.
But why is this happening and does this spending power pose a threat to big European clubs? The Saudis are working on an ambitious project. They are looking to expand their economy through other industries in order to help guarantee their financial future.
Saudi Arabia is reliant on oil revenues – which is not going to last forever and it needs to diversify their economy. The country is doing this through the PIF – its sovereign wealth investment fund.
Sport is one particular area they are looking to grow in the country and that includes their football league. They want to build their own leisure and entertainment industry and tap into the massive amount of interest there is among the Saudi Arabian population – of which 70 per cent is under 40 – in football.
And football is hugely popular in Saudi Arabia – they were the best supported team at the Qatar World Cup last year let’s not forget and their team beat eventual champions Argentina in the group stages – and they also see it as a way of increasing tourism to the country.
The rulers of Saudi Arabia have seen all this interest and they have thought: ‘instead of other people making money from our population’s interest in sport, let’s make it ourselves and keep the money within our borders.’ It wants to put Saudi Arabia on the map and raise its profile.
Now with its huge financial backing, its increasing popularity and investment in top-level players, the Saudi league threatens to change the European transfer market and challenge the dominance of the Premier League.
Although Lionel Messi was able to turn down a £320 million a year package to join Al-Hilal in favour of David Beckham ’s MLS side Inter Miami, Real Madrid ’s French superstar (Benzema) couldn’t resist the £350 million from Al-Ittihad over two years which equates to a staggering £3.3 million a week.
Portugal’s Ronaldo led the way leaving Manchster United to join Al-Nassr on a £173million a year deal. His capture inspired Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after seeing attendances grow and interest in Saudi football soar to accelerate his drive for global recognition
Within six months, the Saudi Pro League has successfully attracted football stars from Europe, boosting its profile and competitiveness and bringing their experience, skill, and fame to the Middle Eastern league. These transfers highlight the growing appeal and financial power of the Saudi Pro League, while also contributing to the overall development and recognition of football in Saudi Arabia.
The presence of high-profile players in the Saudi league could lead to a talent drain from the Premier League and other European leagues, affecting their competitive edge and overall appeal.
Furthermore, the Saudi Pro League’s ability to offer substantial wages and transfer fees challenges the Premier League’s position as the most attractive destination for players seeking lucrative contracts.
The mounting fear is that with a limitless budget when it comes to players salaries and no doubt transfer fees, the big name stars at the peak of their powers could be tempted away from Europe’s top leagues including the Premier League. And wouldn’t be interested in setting himself for life through a season or two in Saudi Arabia? Astronomical salaries would tempt any player. It’s got to be a concern in the long term for the European leagues especially with UEFA discussing a possible wage cap for clubs which obviously wouldn’t be in the interest of the players.
No wonder it’s becoming a footballing goldrush for players in the twilights of their careers but still with something to offer.
