13/08/2023 19:20hs.
He rolled the ball in the Saudi Arabian league. And with her, started the dream of dozens of world soccer stars who left their privileged place in the Old Continent and moved to the Middle East. In the latest transfer market, various Saudi teams have managed to acquire renowned footballers, such as Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté or Sadio Mané, who joined Cristiano Ronaldo to give the country visibility.
The Arab league has invested, so far, just over 493,000,000 euros, which places it in 4th place among the championships that have spent the most worldwide. That is the total number for the 169 registrations that were made, although contract expenses and productivity bonuses with some stars must also be added. In this frame, only the Premier (1,760 million), Serie A (649) and Ligue 1 (518) exceed the spending on transfers from the Saudi Pro League. It has even surpassed LaLiga and the Bundesliga.
“I knew that when I came to Arabia I was going to open the “little box”. Benzema has just arrived, but I’m sure many more will come. In the next five years, the Saudi League can be Top5 in the world. This league is much better than Major League Soccer,” Cristiano Ronaldo said.a few weeks ago. “They have completely changed the market. A few months ago, when Cristiano arrived, no one thought that so many top-level players would leave. And in the future there will be more”, commented Pep Guardiola.
Argentines who play in the Saudi Pro League
–Ever Banega: After breaking it in Sevilla and winning the 2020 Europa League, the Argentine midfielder set out on his journey to Saudi Arabia to join Al-Shabab. At the moment, he has 22 goals and 22 assists over 99 games. In addition, the former Boca, Atlético Madrid and Inter has quickly become captain.
-Lucas Zelarrayán: After spending time with the Columbus Crew in the American MLS, the Cordovan player, nationalized Armenian, has signed a contract with Al Fateh of Saudi Arabia. His transfer was made for 2,750,000 euros. He already made his league debut, wearing the 10th of his team, in a 1-1 draw with Al-Taawoun.
-Fabian Noguera: The central defender left Nacional and joined Abha. This transfer generated controversy since Noguera activated an exit clause and did not participate in the duel of 8vos. Copa Libertadores against Boca.
-Lisandro Lopez: After two seasons at Toluca in Mexico, the central defender faces his first experience in Asian football as a reinforcement for Al Khaleej, signing a contract until June 2024. The former Boca and Benfica player made his debut in Saudi Arabia, with the 4th in the back, in the 3-1 loss against Al-Fayha.
Banega: figure and captain of Al-Shabab. (AFP)
Who are the candidates for the Saudi Pro League?
Al-Nassr, recent champion of the Arab Clubs Championship, has made an investment of 77,000,000 euros to strengthen his squad, surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo with players like Sadio Mané (30 million), Marcelo Brozovic (18), Seko Fofana (25) and Alex Telles (4.6). Senegal’s 10, upon arriving at the club, he stated: “We want to win everything”, showing high ambitions for the season.
He Al-Ittihad, current champion, managed to put an end to 14 years of drought under the direction of Nuno Espírito Santo. However, his ambition does not stop there.: they have invested 75,000,000 euros to maintain their reign and seek victory in the Asian Champions League, which will deposit it in the Club World Cup. In addition to having Benzema (libre)notable signings have been added such as Kanté (free), Fabinho (46.7) and Jota (29.1) to strengthen your squad.
The team that has invested the most is Al-Hilahe. The biggest club in Saudi Arabia and Asia, recent finalist in the Club World Cup, they have spent 178,000,000. Malcom, with a cost of 60,000,000 euros, became the most expensive signing in the history of the Saudi Pro League. He has also made other significant purchases such as Kalidou Koulibaly (23), Rúben Neves (55) and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (40). However, after Lionel Messi’s “no”, They intend to break the market with the hiring of Neymar.
El Al-Ahly, which recently rose in category and has won the League title three times, joins the group of teams that have made significant investments. In your case, They have spent a total of 92,500,000 euros on transfers. Acquisitions include renowned players such as Franck Kessié (12.5), Riyad Mahrez (35), Roberto Firmino (free), Allan Saint-Maximin (27.2) and Édouard Mendy (18.5)who will join the team to strengthen their squad for the challenges that lie ahead.
Al-Ettifaq, with Steven Gerrard as coach, joins this wave of investments. The emblematic Liverpool midfielder has become the 4th highest paid coach in the world, with a salary of 17.6 million euros. In addition, he has incorporated renowned players such as Jordan Henderson (14) and Moussa Dembélé (free).
The rise of soccer in Saudi Arabia hides a significant detail. The Crown has determined that 75% ownership of the four most iconic clubs (Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli) will be transferred to a public investment fund. This move reflects the increasing investment and focus on the development of football in the country, with the intention of boosting the competitiveness of these teams and raising the overall level of Saudi football to compete with the world’s greats.
Benzema, Kanté, Mendy, Ziyech and Brozovic. Some of the stars that arrived in Saudi Arabia.
The 1st date of the Saudi Pro League
Al-Fayha 3 – Al-Khaleej 1
Al-Fateh 1 – Al-Taawoun 1
14/8 12.00: Abha vs. Al-Hilal
14/8 12.00: Al-Raed vs. Al-Ittihad
14/8 15.00: Al-Ettifaq vs. Al Nasser
8/14 15.00: Al-Shabab vs. Al-Akhdood
2023-08-14 01:17:12
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