World
Saudi Pro League: Everything you need to know about the transfer window
The summer transfer window for the 2023-24 football season is coming to an end as clubs around the world have been pulling out all the stops to recruit the best players to their squads.
The summer of 2023 has been the highest-spending transfer window ever, with over $8.2 billion spent.
For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
The Saudi Pro League has established itself as a serious authority, becoming the second-highest-spending league after only the Premier League, with more than $921 million spent on acquiring new footballers.
From Neymar to Karim Benzema, the Kingdom has made it its mission to turn its league into one of the best in the world.
Ittihad's French forward #09 Karim Benzema celebrates with team mates on August 14, 2023. (File photo: AFP)
Here’s everything you need to know about the Saudi Pro League’s transfer window:
When does the transfer window close for Saudi Arabia clubs?
While the deadline for European leagues, such as the Premier League, La Liga, and Ligue 1, is September 1, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation says the window for the registration of players will close on September 7.
However, since FIFA has September 20 listed as the deadline, the clubs can continue to lure in players after the transfer window ends in their country.
What big names have joined Saudi clubs this summer?
Following in the footsteps of iconic football player Cristiano Ronaldo, several international footballers have decided to move to Saudi Arabia.
Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo performs the traditional #Saudi Ardah dance during Al-Nassr's 4-0 win over Al-Shabab. #Ronaldo #Ardah #AlNassr pic.twitter.com/wRUztnDz2P
— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) August 30, 2023
Since the Portuguese superstar joined Al Nassr, there hasn’t been a high-profile player in Europe who hasn’t been linked with a Saudi team.
of 9
(9 Photos)
Share
Welcome ceremony for Karim Benzema after joining Al-Ittihad – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
N'Golo Kante holds his Al Ittihad team jersey. (Twitter)
Al Hilal have signed Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou from Spanish side Sevilla on a three-year contract, the Saudi Pro League club said on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2023. (Twitter)
Al Hilal’s Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly runs with the ball during the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup group B football match between Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli and Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal at the Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium in Abha on July 27, 2023. (AFP)
Ettifaq's English coach Steven Gerrard celebrates his team's win in the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Ettifaq and Al-Nassr at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam on August 14, 2023. (Photo by Ali Alhaji / AFP)
Al Nassr’s midfielder Marcelo Brozovic (L) vies for the ball with Al Shorta’s forward Idrissa Niang during the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup semi-final football match between Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr and Iraq’s Al Shorta at Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium in Abha on August 9, 2023. (AFP)
Edouard Mendy. (X/@ALAHLI_FCEN)
SAFF President Signs Contract with Mancini as New Coach of the Saudi National Football Team until 2027. (Twitter)
Aymeric Laporte (L). (X/@AlNassrFC_EN)
The big names include:
Karim Benzema to Al Ittihad
Yassine Bounou to Al Hilal
Aleksandar Mitrovic to Al Hilal
N’Golo Kante to Al Ittihad
Otávio Monteiro to Al Nassr
Aymeric Laporte to Al Nassr
Gabri Veiga to Al Ahli
Kalidou Koulibaly to Al Hilal
Edouard Mendy to Al Ahli
Marcelo Brozovic to Al Nassr
Steven Gerrard to Al Ettifaq
Roberto Mancini to Saudi National Team
Who is rumored to join?
The most common rumor being tossed around among football fanatics worldwide is the reported $162 million bid for Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring a goal. (File photo: Reuters)
Several reports have said that the Saudi Pro League has made Salah their next target despite the English club’s insistence that he is not for sale.
French superstar player Kylian Mbappe received a record $332 million bid to join Al Hilal, according to media reports, but the Paris Saint Germain footballer has not met with representatives to discuss a potential move.
France's Kylian Mbappe during training. (File photo: Reuters)
Another rumored big name is prolific goalscorer Victor Osimhen, who has reportedly been offered a $152 million contract to join Al Hilal.
Read more:
PFL, Saudi Arabia’s SRJ Sports sign deal to expand MMA influence to MENA region
Women’s football in Saudi Arabia ‘breaking records,’ says first female VP of SAFF
Roberto Mancini takes the helm as head coach of Saudi national football team