Saudi Clubs Secure Financing for Summer Transfer Market Deals
June 24, 2023
In response to rumors about the involvement of major club departments in financing deals, Al-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper sources have revealed the only source of financing for Saudi club contracts with world stars. Since the opening of the 2023 summer transfer market, the “attraction program,” led by the Saudi Professional League, has been responsible for financing all contracts for Al-Hilal, Al-Nasr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahly.
A private source confirmed to the newspaper that there is no truth to the circulated claims about clubs financing the deals. Instead, all the deals announced in the past weeks have been funded by the polarization program.
Negotiations are taking place in coordination between the League and the CEOs of the four clubs, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nasr, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ahly, according to Middle East sources.
Ittihad Jeddah club made the first summer Mercato deals in 2023 by signing French star Karim Benzema after the end of his contract with Spanish Real Madrid. Just 10 days after that, they secured the signing of famous French midfielder N’Golo Kante, whose contract with Chelsea, England had expired.
Al-Hilal club also announced their first summer 2023 deals, including Portuguese international midfielder Robin Neves from Wolverhampton, England. They are also close to finalizing a deal for Senegalese defender Khalido Coulibaly from Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Al-Nasr Club is on the verge of launching their first deals this summer, with Moroccan international midfielder Hakim Ziyech from Chelsea being one of their targets.
Al-Ahly, newly promoted to the Saudi Roshen League, has reached an initial agreement with Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy from Chelsea.
The financing of these high-profile deals by the “attraction program” showcases the commitment of Saudi clubs to attract world-class talent and strengthen their squads for the upcoming season.
What is the role of the “attraction program” in funding contracts for Saudi clubs
Saudi Clubs Secure Financing for Summer Transfer Market Deals
June 24, 2023
In response to recent rumors, it has been revealed by sources at Al-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the financing for Saudi club contracts with world-renowned players comes solely from the “attraction program.” Led by the Saudi Professional League, this program has been responsible for funding all contracts made by Al-Hilal, Al-Nasr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahly during the 2023 summer transfer market.
It has been confirmed by a private source that there is no truth to claims suggesting the clubs are financing these deals. Instead, it is the polarization program that has been providing the necessary funding for the transfers. Negotiations have been taking place between the League and the CEOs of the four clubs – Al-Ittihad, Al-Nasr, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ahly – in coordination with Middle East sources.
The summer Mercato got off to a strong start for Al-Ittihad Jeddah, as they secured the signings of French star Karim Benzema and influential French midfielder N’Golo Kante, who were both available after the expiration of their contracts with Real Madrid and Chelsea, respectively.
Al-Hilal club also made their first signings for the summer of 2023, bringing in Portuguese international midfielder Robin Neves from Wolverhampton, England. They are also closing in on a deal for Senegalese defender Khalido Coulibaly from Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Al-Nasr Club is on the verge of launching their summer signings, with Moroccan international midfielder Hakim Ziyech from Chelsea being one of their key targets.
Newly promoted to the Saudi Roshen League, Al-Ahly has already reached an initial agreement with Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy from Chelsea.
The financing of these high-profile deals through the “attraction program” highlights the determination of Saudi clubs to attract top-tier talent and bolster their squads for the forthcoming season.
This groundbreaking ‘Attraction Program’ truly brings a refreshing change to the Saudi club scene, as it successfully attracts world-class talent with league-funded support. Exciting times lie ahead for football enthusiasts!