In the world of football, the Saudi Pro League has recently emerged as a powerhouse, thanks in no small part to the generous financial backing of the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The year 2023 witnessed a significant transformation as Saudi Arabia’s football landscape witnessed an influx of international stars. This strategic move not only bolstered the reputation of the league but also sent shockwaves through the footballing world, as some of the brightest talents from Europe found their new homes in the heart of the Middle East.
Expensive Saudi Pro League Transfers Of All Time
The Expensive Saudi Pro League Transfers of All Time represent a dynamic shift in the world of football, with Saudi Arabia’s football landscape evolving into a global powerhouse. These remarkable transfers, marked by astronomical fees and the arrival of international football icons, have not only transformed the league’s reputation but have also cemented its position as a premier destination for top-tier talent from around the world, showcasing the league’s unprecedented financial muscle and ambition to compete on the global stage.
1. Neymar – €90m (from PSG to Al-Hilal, 2023)
Neymar, the Brazilian sensation, shattered all previous transfer records when Al-Hilal secured his services for a staggering €90 million in mid-August 2023. After a memorable stint at Barcelona, Neymar faced injury setbacks during his time at PSG, missing out on his primary goals of winning the Champions League and the Ballon d’Or. His move to Al-Hilal marked a pivotal moment in the league’s history, solidifying its status as a global footballing destination.
2. Otavio – €60m (from Porto to Al-Nassr, 2023)
Portugal international Otavio, after seven seasons at Porto, made a high-profile switch to Al-Nassr in August 2023. The 28-year-old had blossomed into a top talent in the Primeira Liga, consistently delivering double-digit assists in his final four seasons at Porto. Otavio’s decision to join the Saudi Pro League marked a strategic career move, aligning him with fellow compatriots Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane, forming a formidable attacking trio.
3. Malcom – €60m (from Zenit to Al-Hilal, 2023)
Malcom, known for his brief stint at Barcelona, made a triumphant return to the spotlight when he joined Al-Hilal for €60 million. His time at Barcelona, though short-lived, was marked by challenges, but a subsequent move to Zenit saw him flourish. He scored 42 goals in over 100 appearances, which ultimately made him the most expensive Saudi Pro League player, though that record has since been eclipsed.
4. Ruben Neves – €55m (from Wolves to Al-Hilal, 2023)
Ruben Neves shattered records with his €55 million move from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Al-Hilal, becoming the most expensive transfer in Saudi Pro League history. The midfielder, who became the youngest-ever captain in Champions League history while at Porto, was widely linked with a move to Barcelona. However, Barcelona’s financial constraints couldn’t match Al-Hilal’s determination, resulting in Neves becoming the first player from Europe’s top five leagues to depart the continent in their prime for Saudi Arabia.
5. Aleksandar Mitrovic – €52.5m (from Fulham to Al-Hilal, 2023)
Aleksandar Mitrovic’s long-anticipated transfer to Al-Hilal finally materialized in mid-August. The Serbian striker left Fulham as their sixth-highest goal-scorer in history, having netted 150 goals, making him the club’s record departure. Mitrovic’s move not only solidified his status as the fifth most expensive signing in Saudi Arabian history but also marked him as the fourth most expensive Al-Hilal signing, underlining the league’s unprecedented spending spree.
6. Fabinho – €46.7m (from Liverpool to Al-Ittihad, 2023)
Fabinho’s career took a turn during the 2022-23 season, and Liverpool seized the opportunity to sell the Brazilian midfielder when Al-Ittihad offered €46.7 million for his services. Fabinho played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s success, providing stability in midfield, allowing full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson to roam forward. He became Al-Ittihad’s record signing, joining the ranks of Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante.
7. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – €42m (from Lazio to Al-Hilal, 2023)
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, a long-standing target for Manchester United, finally left Lazio in 2023 after eight years at the club. However, he surprised many by not heading to Old Trafford as expected. Instead, the Serbian midfielder joined Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, lured by an impressive salary offer and a €42 million transfer fee paid to Lazio. Milinkovic-Savic signed a three-year contract, committing to Al-Hilal until 2026, showcasing the league’s growing appeal.
8. Gabri Veiga – €40m (from Celta Vigo to Al-Ahli, 2023)
The footballing world was left in awe when Gabri Veiga made a remarkable €40 million move from Celta Vigo to Al-Ahli in August 2023. Veiga, a 21-year-old midfielder, had a breakout season at Celta, earning his first cap for Spain. Despite interest from European giants like Chelsea and Liverpool, Veiga chose a different path by moving to Saudi Arabia, becoming the first ‘wonderkid’ to reject a major European transfer in favor of the Saudi Pro League.
9. Riyad Mahrez – €35m (from Man City to Al-Ahli, 2023)
Riyad Mahrez, after years of success with Manchester City, decided it was time for a new challenge. Mahrez, who played a pivotal role in Pep Guardiola’s side, contributed 78 goals and 59 assists to the club during his tenure, solidifying his status as one of the Premier League’s modern greats.
10. Sadio Mane – €30m (from Bayern to Al-Nassr, 2023)
Sadio Mane, a Liverpool legend, made headlines in August 2023 when he transferred to Al-Nassr from Bayern Munich for a fee of €30 million. Having scored 120 goals in nearly 270 appearances for the Reds, Mane’s departure from Liverpool was bittersweet for fans. However, his move to Bayern Munich didn’t quite live up to the expectations.
Mane’s transfer was seen as the club’s attempt to replace Robert Lewandowski, despite Mane primarily playing as a center forward during his final months at Liverpool. Unfortunately, he struggled to replicate his Liverpool form at Bayern. Thomas Tuchel, Bayern’s manager, publicly criticized his performance, making Mane’s exit from the club inevitable.