Top 5 Saudi Pro League Transfers on Deadline Day: A Closer Look at the Best Deals

The Saudi Pro League‘s transfer window officially closed late on Monday, capping off a day filled with significant moves as clubs strengthened their squads for the upcoming season.

Despite missing out on their primary target, Victor Osimhen, who opted for a season-long loan to Turkish side Galatasaray from Napoli, Al Ahli managed to secure England striker Ivan Toney, a move that softened the blow. Here’s a breakdown of the five standout transfers that took place on deadline day.

1. Danilo Pereira Moves from PSG to Al Ittihad for €5 Million

Portuguese defender Danilo Pereira has made the switch to Al Ittihad after four successful years with Paris Saint-Germain. During his tenure at PSG, Pereira, 32, contributed to three consecutive Ligue 1 titles and two French Cup victories. Known for his versatility, Pereira can play across the defense or as a defensive midfielder. His experience, highlighted by 72 caps for Portugal, is expected to be a key asset for an Al Ittihad side aiming to build on their strong start to the season, having won both of their opening matches.

With new head coach Laurent Blanc at the helm, Al Ittihad is looking to bounce back from a disappointing fifth-place finish last season. Pereira’s leadership on the field is set to complement the team’s young talents, including Moussa Diaby and Houssem Aouar.

2. Steven Bergwijn Signs with Al Ittihad from Ajax for €21 Million

Steven Bergwijn, once one of Europe’s most promising attacking talents, has joined Al Ittihad after revitalizing his career at Ajax. The Dutch winger, 26, struggled during his time in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur but rediscovered his form after returning to the Netherlands. At Ajax, Bergwijn scored 29 goals in 79 appearances and took over the captaincy last season, leading his team with distinction.

Bergwijn’s ability to operate on either wing makes him a valuable addition to Al Ittihad, although he will face stiff competition in a squad known for its attacking prowess.

3. Marcos Leonardo Joins Al Hilal from Benfica for €40 Million

Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo has left Benfica to join Al Hilal in a high-profile transfer. Despite a brief stint at Benfica, Leonardo, 21, made a significant impact, scoring consistently in the Primeira Liga. His powerful presence and technical skill caught the attention of many, and his move to Al Hilal adds another layer of strength to a team that dominated the league last season.

Under the guidance of coach Jorge Jesus, Al Hilal went unbeaten last season, and Leonardo’s arrival, along with other key signings like Joao Cancelo and Moteb Al Harbi, is expected to bolster their already formidable lineup.

4. Chris Smalling Heads to Al Fayha in Undisclosed Deal

Veteran English defender Chris Smalling has made a surprising move to Al Fayha after a successful spell in Italy with Roma. Smalling, 34, was instrumental in Roma’s Europa Conference League victory in 2022 and played a crucial role in their run to the Europa League final the following season. Although injuries limited his appearances last year, Smalling brings a wealth of experience to Al Fayha, having won two Premier League titles with Manchester United and earning 31 caps for England.

5. Angelo Moves from Chelsea to Al Nassr for €23 Million

Young Brazilian talent Angelo has joined Al Nassr after a brief and uneventful period with Chelsea. At just 19 years old, Angelo made history in Brazil by debuting for Santos at the age of 15, becoming the club’s second-youngest player ever. However, his opportunities at Chelsea were limited due to the arrival of high-profile players like Joao Felix and Jadon Sancho.

Al Nassr sees Angelo as a promising prospect for the future, and his development alongside stars like Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be invaluable.

These transfers highlight the Saudi Pro League’s ambition to attract top talent and compete at the highest levels, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.