Top 5 Most Expensive deals in Saudi Pro League as Arabian Transfer window closes

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Saudi Pro League

The Saudi Arabian storm took everyone by surprise as a lot of big names headed to the Saudi Pro League this summer. A trend that was started by Cristiano Ronaldo was mocked at first but it all makes sense now, doesn’t it?

Initially, we saw players who are aging and heading toward the ending phases of their careers are choosing to move to the Middle East. Take Cristiano Ronaldo for instance who is at 38-years of age. Even though his fitness allows him to still take the field but many would argue that he cannot compete at the highest level in Football.

Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Riyadh Mahrez, Roberto Firmino are other examples of that. However, it is not just the Old ones who moved there but those who have started their careers or are yet to reach their peak years are also choosing to play there.

But why? If you still don’t know, it is all for the lucrative and mouth watering contracts. The amount of money on offer is literally life changing and believe it or not, nobody is going there for passion but for money. Al-Hilal strike Odion Ighalo himself said that – “We play for money not passion”.

It was actually a response to Ronaldo when he joined Al-Nassr from Manchester United. For those sitting at higher positions in Saudi Football Association, it is a great news but then can only benefit from this influx if their local players improve.

It will only make sense if the Saudi national team does something unthinkable, otherwise players will come for money, fulfill their contracts and leave. Nevertheless, Saudi Pro League sides have landed their targets and all of the European clubs can breathe freely since the Saudi Arabian transfer window has closed.

With club football paused due to the International break, here are the Top 5 Footballers with most expensive deals.

  1. Neymar Jr. (€90m) to Al-Hilal: The Brazilian superstar is the most expensive signing in Roshn Saudi League this summer. No one, literally no one thought that Neymar will be lured as well. At 31, he had 3-4 years of football left in him and could have played in Europe but the kind of perks he received upon signing for Al-Hilal are just mad. A private jet, a Mansion and bonus money for every win and even for every social media post appreciating Saudi Arabia.
  2. Otavio (€60m) to Al-Nassr: 28-year-old Portuguese forward might have spoken to fellow country man Cristiano Ronaldo before moving to Saudi. In fact it is possible that Ronaldo himself personally suggested Al-Nassr to sign Otavio who more or less had a lot of time to play in Europe. In a 3-year contract, Otavio will earn 3 times what he earned with Porto FC.
  3. Malcom (€60m) to Al Hilal: Another example of a player yet to reach his peak years but coming to Saudi Arabia for money is Brazilian forward Malcolm. Though he wasn’t much in demand and was actually playing for Zenit Saint Petersburg so maybe his took the right decision.
  4. Ruben Neves (€55m) to Al Hilal: The Portuguese midfielder’s move was least expected as he was an important player for English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers. Neves is the same age as his team mate Malcolm. The Portugal midfielder will reportedly earn more than 250k per week alone.
  5. Aleksander Mitrovic (€52m) to Al Hilal: The most successful team in the Asian Champions League, Al-Hilal are literally everywhere. Out of the Top 5 most expensive signings, Al-Hilal have made 4 and this final player on this list is Aleksander Mitrovic. The Serbian took the English Premier League by a storm last year but eventually got stormed off by Al-Hilal’s rage.

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