Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League has had a significant impact on the sports landscape. It has not only reshaped the football scene but also redefined transfer windows. As the Saudi League starts becoming a favorite destination for players, famous journalist Gianluca Di Marzio makes a grave revelation about the league.
“This summer the situation is different than in the past because of the Saudi Arabian market. That changed a lot of situations. Saudi Arabian sides used to bring in late-career players, while now they are trying to land prime-time players like Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, Edouard Mendy, Milinkovic-Savic and Brozovic.” said he.
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Other high-profile players are now considering moves to the Saudi Arabian league due to Ronaldo’s decision. Renowned stars such as Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Marcelo Brozovic, and Jota have all confirmed their intentions to play in Saudi Arabia. Recently, Roberto Firmino also joined their ranks.
“This situation has changed the transfer market in an incredible way. Because before that, a side like Chelsea had to loan out players who weren’t part of their project and probably pay half their salary to be able to loan someone like Koulibaly to Internazionale. Inter wanted Koulibaly and wanted Chelsea to pay half his salary.
In this situation with the Saudi Arabian clubs, it’s easier for the clubs to sell the players and cover up the mistakes of the past, because if you buy a player who hasn’t played well, you can sign a contract with one next year close Saudi Arabian club and forget his mistake.“
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The footballing world was shaken by Ronaldo’s exit from the English Premier League, causing a disruption in transfer dynamics. Furthermore, Ronaldo’s transfer has had implications beyond the field, leading to the appointment of former Liverpool star Steven Gerrard as the manager of Al-Ettifaq.
Earlier this year, Ronaldo expressed his belief that the Saudi Pro League could become one of the world’s best within five years if more top stars joined. This prediction is now gradually becoming a reality.
n the Premier League, players like Tonali are bought for €64m while he was bought in Italy three years ago for around €20m. Competition between Premier League clubs has pushed up prices for players. Even midfield players are worth €70-80m.
In this situation, only Premier League clubs and Saudi Arabian clubs can buy not only the stronger players but also the midfield players. Like the Super League, they can use the ‘supermarket’ in Saudi Arabia, while the Premier League and other Bundesliga, Serie A and La Liga clubs will likely have to use a different market.”
In this situation, only Premier League clubs and Saudi Arabian clubs can buy not only the stronger players but also the midfield players. Like the Super League, they can use the ‘supermarket’ in Saudi Arabia, while the Premier League and other Bundesliga, Serie A and La Liga clubs will likely have to use a different market.”
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There was a time when the Chinese Super League was considered a threat to Europe’s major leagues, but over the years, it hasn’t turned out that way. The peak of China’s spending in the transfer market occurred during the 2016/17 season, with an astonishing £320 million being spent in a single transfer window. One notable high-profile transfer was the £60 million deal that saw Brazilian international Oscar leave Chelsea in January 2017.
Now, in 2023, Saudi Arabia is currently making their move to become the newest powerhouse in the footballing world. So is Saudi becoming the new Chinese League?
“I think the situation in Saudi Arabia is different because the government there works differently than in China. The Saudi Arabian government wants football to become the most important sport in their country.” said Di Marzio in this context.
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“I don’t think the situation is comparable to what happened in China. It will be difficult for the players to leave Saudi Arabia. For example, if Milinkovic-Savic thinks: ‘Oh, I’ll go to Saudi Arabia for a year and come back’ – it’s going to be difficult because they pay you, they pay the club, but you can’t joke with them.” he added.
“They’re paying a lot now but they want you to stay there and they won’t accept the player leaving for a year and then playing for other clubs for the remaining years of the contract.”
” So if a player decides to go there, they should pay attention because the decision has been made and they want you to stay there for the whole contract period.” Di Marzio concluded.
The outcome of this development will require time to unfold, but the Saudi Pro League has made an impressive initial impact. The league’s financial strength is likely to attract even more players from top European clubs, leading them to make the leap to Saudi Arabia.
(quotes from wettfreunde)
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