Saudi Pro League’s Ambitions Persist Despite a Quieter Transfer Window, Says CEO

Despite a more subdued transfer period, the Saudi Pro League remains as determined as ever to make its mark on global football, according to the league’s CEO, Omar Mugharbel. The arrival of high-profile players like Ivan Toney and Joao Cancelo underscores the league’s ongoing ambitions.

Al-Ahli of Jeddah made headlines by acquiring Ivan Toney from Brentford for a reported €40 million, just days after Manchester City sold Cancelo to Al-Hilal. “This is just the beginning, with more to come both on and off the pitch,” Mugharbel told The Associated Press as the transfer window closed on Monday.

Although the total spending by the league’s 18 clubs this summer is expected to be around a third of last summer’s €957 million spree, the league still managed to secure significant talent. Last year’s transfers included stars like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, Neymar, and Riyad Mahrez, who joined Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.

However, no equivalent megastars were signed this year, with players like Mohamed Salah and Vinicius Junior opting to remain in Europe. The most notable signing before Toney’s arrival was Al-Ittihad’s €60 million acquisition of French winger Moussa Diaby from Aston Villa.

Mugharbel, who took over as CEO in January, noted that many clubs were already close to their foreign player limit, which capped new signings. Each club can register up to 10 foreign players, two of whom must be 21 or under. This rule, combined with the retention of last season’s signings, meant fewer opportunities for marquee transfers.

The most active in the market was newly-promoted Al-Qadsiah, backed by Saudi oil giant Aramco. The club secured former Arsenal and Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Marseille and Spanish international defender Nacho Fernandez from Real Madrid.

Mugharbel emphasized that last season’s signings have established the league as an attractive destination for top players, a trend he expects to continue.

The Saudi Pro League’s strategy remains focused on growth and sustainability, with an eye on long-term success.

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Favian Ningrum

Hailing from Indonesia, Favian Ningrum is a passionate writer with a deep love for the AFC Champions League and an unyielding allegiance to Liverpool. Favian's articles seamlessly blend the thrill of continental competitions with his insights into the global footballing landscape. As an AFC aficionado and Liverpool fanatic, Favian's analysis goes beyond the surface, delving into the intricacies of tactics and the stories that unfold on and off the pitch.

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