The Saudi Arabian League is currently receiving extraordinary attention from football lovers around the world. The reason is, in the 2023-2024 season, many European players have flocked to move to Arab League clubs.
Arab League clubs recruited many European players because of the disbursement of funds from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a consortium of Arab investors which is a privatization project for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The PIF is led by Mohammed bin Salman Al-Saud, Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom.
PIF’s mission is to make Saudi Arabia the center of economic transformation by 2030, one of which is by investing in long-term capital through football. PIF has acquired four clubs in the Saudi Arabian League, namely Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli. So it’s not surprising that these clubs seem to ‘lightly’ buy European players at exorbitant prices.
The following is the most expensive transfer in the Saudi Arabian League, which has reached 90 million euros or the equivalent of Rp. 1.5 trillion.
1. Neymar (Al Hilal – 90 million euros)
The first Saudi Arabian League most expensive transfer was held by Brazilian star, Neymar Jr who moved from Paris Saint-Germain to Al Hilal. Neymar agreed to a contract with Al Hilal for 2 years at a price of 90 million euros or the equivalent of Rp. 1.5 trillion (exchange rate of Rp. 16,683).
Neymar’s move has enlivened the transfer of players from European leagues to the Saudi Arabian league.
2. Malcom (Al Hilal – 60 million euros)
Zenit’s left wing, Malcom became the second most expensive transfer of the Saudi Arabian League at a price of around 60 million euros or IDR 1 trillion. The player who was born on February 26, 1997 was under scrutiny because the transfer fee to Al Hilal was considered overpriced.Even so, not a few also thought that Malcom could prove his quality while wearing Al Hilal’s uniform.
3. Otavio (Al Nassr – 60 million euros)
Quoting Fabrizio Romano, Porto is reported to have reached a verbal agreement with Al Nassr regarding the transfer of its midfielder, Otavio with a transfer package of up to 60 million euros. The player whose full name is Otavio Edmilson da Silva Monteiro is reportedly undergoing medical tests with Al Nassr.
Otavio will accompany two players from other European Leagues, namely Brozovic and Fofana as midfielders for Al Nassr. On the front lines, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane are still strengthened.
4. Ruben Neves (Al Hilal – 55 million euros)
The next most expensive transfer in the Saudi Arabian League is the former Wolverhampton captain, Ruben Neves. Ruben Neves officially moved to Arab club, Al Hilal with a nominal transfer of 55 million euros or the equivalent of Rp. 917 billion and a 3-year contract.
5. Aleksandar Mitrovic (Al Hilal – 52.6 million euros)
Al Hilal still hasn’t stopped bringing in new players from Europe. Most recently, Al Hilal officially brought in Serbian striker, Aleksandar Mitrovic from Fulham for 52.6 million euros or IDR 877 billion.
Mitrovic will sign a 3-year contract with Al Hilal. Documents for the transfer have been prepared and signed immediately.
Mitrovic will accompany Neymar Jr and Malcom who also joined Al Hilal this season.
6. Fabinho (Al Ittihad – 46.7 million euros)
Former Liverpool midfielder, Fabinho has officially joined Al Ittihad with a transfer value of 46.7 million euros or IDR 779 billion. Fabinho has agreed a three-year contract and will become a team-mate of former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.
7. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Al Hilal – 40 million euros)
Now it’s Lazio striker Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s turn to join Al Hilal. Sergej agreed on a contract worth 40 million euros or IDR 667 billion for 3 years with Al Hilal. The specialist long-range midfielder will be a teammate of Neymar, Malcom and Mitrovic.
8. Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli – 35 million euros)
The next most expensive transfer in the Saudi Arabian League is Riyad Mahrez, who officially joined Al-Ahli with a contract value of 35 million euros or IDR 583 billion. The former Manchester City striker has sign a contract until June 2027.
9. Sadio Mane (Al Nassr – 30 million euros)
Sadio Mane is the next most expensive transfer in the Saudi Arabian League with a nominal transfer of 30 million euros or the equivalent of Rp. 500 billion. Mane follows superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to strengthen Al Nassr for the next 3 seasons with the option of a season extension.
10. Jota (Al Ittihad – 29.1 million euros)
Celtic striker, Jota has officially joined Al Ittihad for a transfer fee of 29.1 million euros or the equivalent of IDR 485 billion. Jota agreed to a 3-year contract with an option for a one-year extension with Al Ittihad.
In fact, this player whose full name is Joao Pedro Neves Filipe was previously link with several European club. Such as Wolverhampton and AC Milan.
That was the list of the 10 most expensive transfers of the Saudi Arabian League which reached 90 million euros. Regardless of the amount of funds each club has disbursed. The Saudi Arabian League may sooner or later become a star-studded league.
Read More : 10 Most Expensive Transfers in the Saudi Arabian League, Neymar IDR 1.5 Trillion!
