From Neymar to Riyad Mahrez: Top 10 most expensive Saudi Pro League transfers | Football News – Times of India
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But often labelled as one of the most suitable leagues to hang up one’s boots in, the Saudi Pro League has undergone a huge transformation this summer, with players—both young and not so young—arriving on Saudi shores to not only elevate the quality of football in the country but also lure the attention of the global audience.
In what appears to be the latest attempt to capture the eyes of football fanatics across the globe, Al Hilal have successfully made a swoop for Neymar Jr. from Paris Saint-Germain. According to various reports, it is the most expensive transfer made by a Saudi Arabian outfit in the history of the league which came into existence back in 1976.
TimesofIndia.com
has here compiled a list of the most expensive transfers in the Saudi Pro League this summer so far:
1. Neymar to Al Hilal (€90m)
Neymar completed his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, who paid a transfer fee of around €90m, according to reports, to secure the forward’s services. The Brazilian forward signed a two-year contract with the club. Reports suggest that his contract is worth around €160 million per season.
Neymar’s move to Al Hilal comes after a few years of difficulties at PSG. Despite bringing him from Barcelona to lift the Champions League, the club failed to win the accolade during his time there, and he was often criticized for his lack of consistency. He also missed a significant amount of time through injury.
2. Malcom to Al Hilal (€60m)
Brazilian winger Malcom moved to Al Hilal on a transfer of €60 million, according to reports. The 26-year-old, who has also played for Barcelona and Zenit Saint Petersburg, signed a four-year contract with Al Hilal.
Despite being criticized for lack of consistency, Malcom is a talented and versatile winger who can play on either side of the attack. He is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and eye for goal. Previously linked with European heavyweights such as Arsenal, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and multiple Italian sides, he is expected to be a key player for Al Hilal.
3. Rúben Neves to Al Hilal (€55m)
Portuguese international Rúben Neves joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in a reported €55 million transfer. Joining from Wolves where he was the captain, the 26-year-old also had a stint at Porto. As per reports, the midfielder signed a three-year contract with Al-Hilal.
Neves’s move is a major coup for Al-Hilal. He is a versatile midfielder who can play in a variety of positions across the midfield. While he is known for his passing ability, ball control, and long shots, his defensive and man-marking abilities could make him an important asset for Al-Hilal.
4. Fabinho to
Fabinho made the move to Al Ittihad for a transfer fee of around €46.7 million. Signing a three-year contract with Al Ittihad, 29-year-old Brazilian was with Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool before deciding to complete the Saudi move.
Fabinho’s transfer will immensely boost Al Ittihad’s collective abilities. Renowned for his defensive skillset at the heart of the midfield, Fabinho possesses a wide range of passing and leadership skills. He can play both right-back and centre-back. Furthermore, his experience at the club and international level will also mean that Al Ittihad’s midfield vulnerabilities could be mostly ironed out.
5. Sergej
Parting ways with Lazio for a reported transfer fee of around €40 million, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic completed his transfer to Al Hilal this summer. Milinkovic-Savic agreed to a three-year contract with an option for a fourth at the Saudi Arabian club.
Following the move, he will join hands with former Lazio teammate Joaquin Correa for the Middle East side. Well-known for his passing, dribbling, and long-range shooting ability, Milinkovic-Savic is a highly-rated midfielder who has been linked with a move to some of Europe’s top clubs, including Arsenal, Juventus, and Manchester United, in recent years.
6.
After weeks of rumours hinting at a separation, former Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez finally parted ways with Manchester City to join Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli, with the Saudi club reportedly paying around €35 million for the 31-year-old. If reports are understood to be true, Mahrez has signed a contract with the Saudi club until June 2027.
Often touted as the “Algerian Messi”, Mahrez is a star winger with five Premier League titles and one Champions League title to his name. He is coveted for his dribbling, passing, and finishing abilities.
7. Sadio Mané to
Sadio Mané officially joined Al Nassr from Liverpool this summer in a deal worth around €30 million, with the former Southampton man penning a three-year contract with the Saudi club. His contract at the club also includes an option to extend for a fourth year.
Mané is a Senegalese international winger who made the switch to Liverpool from Southampton in 2016. A forward by trade, Mane has won the Premier League, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup with Liverpool. He has also won the African Cup of Nations with Senegal and is widely regarded to be one of the all-time greatest African players.
8. Jota to Al Ittihad (€29.1m)
24-year-old Portuguese international Jota moved to the Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad from Celtic for a reported €29.1 million transfer fee. Jota penned a three-year contract with Al Ittihad, with the option for a further year.
Jota had been linked with a move to several European clubs, including Wolves and AC Milan, but he ultimately decided to move to Saudi Arabia. With a low centre of gravity, Jota could dance through the bulkiest of thighs with utter ease, making him potentially an integral figure for the Al Ittihad attack.
9. Roger Ibañez to Al Ahli (€28.5m)
Al Ahli signed Brazilian central defender Roger Ibañez for a transfer fee of around €28.5 million on a four-year deal from Serie A club Roma. Ibañez is a versatile defender who can play as a centre-back or right-back.
Known for his strong tackling and aerial ability in the defensive half of the field, the 24-year-old is also a good passer and can carry the ball out from the back. Starting his career with Fluminense, the 6 foot 1 inch tall defender had a brief stint with Atalanta before moving to the Italian capital.
10. Allan Saint-Maximin to Al Ahli (€27.2m)
Al Ahli recently completed a much-awaited move for Allan Saint-Maximin from Newcastle United, with the Saudi Arabian side reportedly paying around €27.2 million to secure the services of the 26-year-old trickster. Saint-Maximin has understandably signed a three-year contract with the club.
Following his praiseworthy performances with Newcastle, Saint-Maximin has been linked with a move to some of Europe’s top clubs in recent years. Impressing the spectators with his pace, dribbling, and trickery, the 5 foot 8-inch tall French winger is expected to be a major addition to Al Ahli’s attack.
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