The Saudi Arabian top-flight division has become a fascinating hub for top players to ply their trade in this modern era.
High-profile players have all joined the Saudi Pro League in recent seasons and we would be fixating our lens on the most expensive football transfers in Saudi Arabia.
Recently, the backing of Saudi Arabian teams Al Ahli, Al Hilal, Al Nassr and Al Ittihad by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, has also given such teams the financial capability to flex their muscles in the transfer market.
The Saudi Pro League in the past one year has witnessed the arrival of several legendary players, including; Karim Benzema, Neymar, Sadio Mane and even 5-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo’s arrival apparently sent a strong message to many players that they can also eschew their qualities in Saudi Arabia.
Most expensive football transfers in Saudi Arabia
Without further ado, Let’s fill you in on the most expensive football transfers in Saudi Arabia.
10) Allan Saint-Maximin – €27.2 million.
The 26-year-old joined Al Ahli from Newcastle United and he has begun to strut his stuff for the club.
9) Roger Ibanez – 28.5 million
Saudi’s raid on European football isn’t only fixated on players in the twilight of their careers as they are also signing young talents.
24-year-old Ibanez joined Al Ahli from AS Roma for a fee of €28.5 million and he has been putting in the shift so far.
8) Jota – 29.1 million
The 24-year-old joined Al-Ittihad from Celtic and he is also amongst the young names that has moved to Saudi Arabian clubs this summer.
7) Sadio Mane – €30 million
The Senegal international had a torrid time at Bayern Munich in the 2022/23 season and he opted for a new lease of life in Saudi Arabia.
Mane, 31, joined Al Nassr from Bayern Munich and he has been impressive in his first few matches for the club.
6) Riyad Mahrez – €35 million
Mahrez was reportedly not fascinated by the idea of leaving Manchester City, however, he also made a high-profile move to the Saudi Pro League.
The 32-year-old joined Al Ahli, who have been very busy this summer, from the Premier League champions. The Saudi side reportedly paid Manchester City €35 million to complete the deal.
5) Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – €42 million
The 28-year-old has begun to make his impact felt in the Saudi Pro League and was recently named the Arab Club Champions Cup Player of the Tournament.
Despite losing the final to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, Milinkovic-Savic was still impressive in the tournament.
The midfielder joined Al Hilal from Serie A side Lazio and he is set to make exploits in the Pro League.
4) Fabinho – €46.7 million
The 29-year-old joined Al Ittihad from Liverpool, in one of the unexpected summer departures from Anfield.
Fabinho is the most expensive signing in Al Ittihad’s history.
3) Ruben Neves – €55 million
It appears the 2023 summer transfer window has been a pool to sign top midfielders, as men who boss the middle of the pack have moved for humongous sums.
Neves, 26, joined Al Hilal from English side Wolverhampton Wanderers for €55 million.
2) Malcom – €60 million
The 26-year-old has already hit the ground running in Saudi Arabia, scoring a hat-trick in his Saudi Pro League debut.
Malcolm joined Al Hilal from Zenith St Petersburg for €60 million.
1) Neymar – €90 million
The Brazil great ranks number 1 on this list, following his record-breaking move to Saudi Arabia.
He is set to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle that is expected to be filled with bliss, hopefully, also on the football pitch.
Following his move to Saudi Arabia, Neymar also became the first player in football history to be transferred for more than £300m in cumulative transfer fees.
The 31-year-old joined Al Hilal from Paris Saint Germain.
