Which players have signed for the Saudi Pro League?
1 year, 4 months ago

Which players have signed for the Saudi Pro League?

Al Jazeera  

The exodus of big-name footballers making the move from European leagues to Saudi Arabia shows no sign of abating. The five-time UEFA Champions League winner and current Ballon d’Or holder signed a two-year contract, with the option to extend for a third, with the reigning Saudi Pro League champions that is reportedly worth $213m per season. N’Golo Kante: Chelsea to Al Ittihad Kante will join his compatriot Benzema in Jeddah where reports suggest he will earn $109.8m per year after joining Al Ittihad for three years on a free transfer. Roberto Firmino: Liverpool to Al Ahli The 31-year-old Brazilian forward has joined Al Ahli on a free transfer after eight illustrious seasons with Liverpool, in which he won the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020. 📷 | Morning session at the gym 💪 pic.twitter.com/qy0nbYeINo — Al-Ahli Saudi Club July 21, 2023 Riyad Mahrez: Manchester City to Al Ahli The two clubs have come to an agreement for the transfer of the Algerian international on a three-year contract for a reported $38.5m.

Media Transfer Liverpool Chelsea Reported United Brazilian Ronaldo Neymar Signed Jeddah Saudi Pro League Saudi League Contract Al  threeyear  contract  al  media  transfer  signed  pro  players  saudi  league  liverpool  reported

History of this topic

Premier League leads spending as transfer window closes. Ivan Toney to Saudi Arabia
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Premier League leads spending as transfer window closes. Ivan Toney to Saudi Arabia

Associated Press  

English Premier League clubs again flexed their financial muscles by spending about $2.6 billion in the summer transfer window that closed Friday for Europe’s five big domestic leagues. The Saudi Pro League’s window remains open for a few more days — enough time for more deals like the one announced early Saturday that will see striker Ivan Toney join Al-Ahli. …

Cristiano Ronaldo draws double of Neymar's salary at Saudi Pro League; Karim Benzema and Sadio Mane in top 10 earners
5 months ago

Cristiano Ronaldo draws double of Neymar's salary at Saudi Pro League; Karim Benzema and Sadio Mane in top 10 earners

Hindustan Times  

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly drawing double the amount of Neymar's salary in the Saudi Pro League. The star-studded Saudi Pro League's top 10 salaries list was shared in the lead-up to the new season. While Ronaldo, Benzema and Neymar are featuring in the top three of the highest-paid players in the Saudi Pro League, the remaining top 10 spots have …

Manchester City reject Saudi Pro League club offer for Ederson
5 months, 1 week ago

Manchester City reject Saudi Pro League club offer for Ederson

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Manchester City have rejected a bid from Saudi …

All Saudi top-tier football clubs to go private: ministry
5 months, 2 weeks ago

All Saudi top-tier football clubs to go private: ministry

The Hindu  

The Saudi Pro League’s remaining 14 football clubs are up for privatisation, the sports ministry said, after the sale of four top teams sparked a billion-dollar spending spree on foreign stars. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the top oil exporter’s sovereign wealth vehicle, took a majority stake in Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad last year. Saudi …

Saudi Pro League makes key rule change to speed up hunt for star players
11 months, 1 week ago

Saudi Pro League makes key rule change to speed up hunt for star players

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Saudi Pro League has made a rule …

Saudi Pro League will make ANOTHER move for Mohamed Salah in the summer and make the Liverpool star their top target... despite Al-Ittihad having £200million offer rejected in the summer
1 year ago

Saudi Pro League will make ANOTHER move for Mohamed Salah in the summer and make the Liverpool star their top target... despite Al-Ittihad having £200million offer rejected in the summer

Daily Mail  

Mo Salah is the Saudi Pro League's top target due to his status in the Arab world The Saudi Pro League will make renewed attempts to sign Mohamed Salah next summer with the Liverpool forward the main target in the cash-rich competition’s next phase of expansion. The Saudi Pro League will launch another extraordinary bid for Mo Salah in the …

Saudi Pro League: Karim Benzema tempted by Saudi Arabia’s ‘huge’ football project
1 year, 2 months ago

Saudi Pro League: Karim Benzema tempted by Saudi Arabia’s ‘huge’ football project

The Hindu  

Karim Benzema was lured by Saudi Arabia’s “huge project” and the fact it is a Muslim country when he decided to end a trophy-laden stint with Real Madrid to move to Al-Ittihad, the French striker said on Wednesday. Benzema became one of many big names to move to the Saudi Pro League when he joined Al-Ittihad as a free agent …

Saudi Arabia is trying to disrupt soccer’s world order. The reasons why might surprise you
1 year, 3 months ago

Saudi Arabia is trying to disrupt soccer’s world order. The reasons why might surprise you

CNN  

CNN — Editor’s Note: A version of this story appears in CNN’s Meanwhile in the Middle East newsletter, a three-times-a-week look inside the region’s biggest stories. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman says he doesn’t “care” about the country’s investment in sport being described as sportswashing. Patricia de Melo Moreira/AFP/Getty Images By attracting some of the world’s biggest stars to …

Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema Eyeing Asian Champions League Title
1 year, 3 months ago

Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema Eyeing Asian Champions League Title

News 18  

Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema have won a combined total of 11 UEFA Champions League titles and, starting Monday, they lead the Saudi Arabian challenge in the Asian edition. Neymar, who last week surpassed Pele’s international goal tally for Brazil, arrived at Al-Hilal in August and made his league debut on Friday as the four-time Asian champion thrashed Abha …

Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema set sights on Asian Champions League title
1 year, 3 months ago

Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema set sights on Asian Champions League title

The Hindu  

Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema have won a combined total of 11 UEFA Champions League titles and, starting Monday, they lead the Saudi Arabian challenge in the Asian edition. Neymar, who last week surpassed Pele’s international goal tally for Brazil, arrived at Al-Hilal in August and made his league debut on Friday as the four-time Asian champion thrashed Abha …

Only Premier League clubs spent more on transfers than Saudi Pro League sides
1 year, 3 months ago

Only Premier League clubs spent more on transfers than Saudi Pro League sides

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “This marks the first time since 2016 that another international league has …

From Neymar to Ballon d'Or winner Benzema: 5 crazy Saudi Pro League transfers as window closes after $1bn spending spree
1 year, 3 months ago

From Neymar to Ballon d'Or winner Benzema: 5 crazy Saudi Pro League transfers as window closes after $1bn spending spree

Hindustan Times  

The Saudi Pro League, thanks to their big-money spending, triggered a buzz in the transfer market over the past few months. Since then, several big names, including former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and his fellow countryman N’Golo Kante, have moved to Saudi Arabia. Neymar signed for Al Hilal; Karim Benzema in action for Al-Ittihad With the Saudi transfer window …

Saudi transfer window closes after a $1 billion spending spree on football stars
1 year, 3 months ago

Saudi transfer window closes after a $1 billion spending spree on football stars

The Hindu  

After an outlay of $1 billion, Saudi Arabia’s transfer window shut on Thursday with the oil-rich kingdom having announced itself as a new powerhouse in global football. Liverpool last week reportedly rejected a bid worth 150 million pounds from Al-Ittihad for Salah and despite speculation a renewed offer would come before Thursday’s deadline, no deal was struck for the Egypt …

Mo Salah and Paul Pogba would be marquee arrivals, while Hugo Lloris and Donny van de Beek could be offered new starts... Who can still move to Saudi Arabia before their transfer window slams shut?
1 year, 3 months ago

Mo Salah and Paul Pogba would be marquee arrivals, while Hugo Lloris and Donny van de Beek could be offered new starts... Who can still move to Saudi Arabia before their transfer window slams shut?

Daily Mail  

The Saudi Arabian transfer window slamming shut would have barely been noticed 12 months ago, but the passing of this summer's deadline on Thursday will be a relief or a missed opportunity for European sides. Liverpool star Mohamed Salah continues to be linked with a £200m move to Saudi Arabia Jurgen Klopp will be among the managers most eager for …

After luring Neymar, Mane and a slew of stars, the Saudi Pro League transfer window is set to shut
1 year, 3 months ago

After luring Neymar, Mane and a slew of stars, the Saudi Pro League transfer window is set to shut

The Hindu  

A lavish spending spree that has seen Saudi Arabia lure some of football’s biggest stars to the oil-rich kingdom will come to a halt on Thursday when its transfer window shuts. RELATED | Premier League to support new PFA brain health assistance fund Liverpool reportedly rejected a bid worth 150 million pounds before last week’s European transfer deadline, but Al-Ittihad …

Neymar to Benzema, top transfers who followed Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League
1 year, 3 months ago

Neymar to Benzema, top transfers who followed Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League

The Hindu  

The football transfer scenario in Europe was gobsmacked with the sudden surge of players leaving for Saudi Arabia this season. Though Cristiano Ronaldo started the exodus last season, moving to Al Nassr after terminating his contract with Manchester United, this summer saw the Saudi Pro League become the talk of the town. Neymar Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar joined …

VIDEO: Neymar gets rapturous welcome at Al-Hilal
1 year, 4 months ago

VIDEO: Neymar gets rapturous welcome at Al-Hilal

The Hindu  

Brazilian superstar Neymar was greeted by thousands of adoring fans at Al-Hilal on Saturday as he became the latest world-famous footballer to join the big-spending Saudi Pro League. Neymar joined Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona six years ago for a world-record fee of 222 million euros, scoring 118 goals in 173 matches despite a series of injuries. Jaw-dropping transfers Cristiano …

Saudi Arabia’s transfer deals this season: From Neymar to Bounou; Fees, records tracker
1 year, 4 months ago

Saudi Arabia’s transfer deals this season: From Neymar to Bounou; Fees, records tracker

The Hindu  

Saudi clubs have spent over 600 million euros in the close season signing players with the new Saudi Pro League season having kicked off on Aug. 11. Following are the main clubs’ recent large purchases: Al-Ittihad - Manager: Nuno Espirito Santo since 2022; N’Golo Kante from Chelsea ; Karim Benzema from Real Madrid ; Jota from Celtic ; Fabinho from …

Saudi Arabia's big football splash: How the SPL sparked a fresh exodus of talent from Europe
1 year, 4 months ago

Saudi Arabia's big football splash: How the SPL sparked a fresh exodus of talent from Europe

Hindustan Times  

Between 2014 and 2017, the football powers that be in Europe were rocked by what was widely described as an "exodus" of talent. Fundamental difference hiding in the similarities In June this year, Aleksander Ceferin, president of Europe's continental football governing body UEFA, said that Saudi Arabia's recent spending spree on some of the biggest names in world football is …

Neymar's insane Saudi Pro-League contract includes £2.5m-a-week in wages, grand mansion, 8 luxury cars - Reports
1 year, 4 months ago

Neymar's insane Saudi Pro-League contract includes £2.5m-a-week in wages, grand mansion, 8 luxury cars - Reports

Hindustan Times  

Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal shelled out €90 million to land Brazilian forward Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain. Apart from the staggering amount of his brand new Al Hilal deal, Neymar has reportedly secured a handful of other perks, including a mind-boggling £2.5 million-a-week contract. Brazilian forward Neymar poses for a picture with Hilal President Fahad bin Nafel in Paris …

VIDEO: Neymar credits Cristiano Ronaldo for Saudi Pro League transformation
1 year, 4 months ago

VIDEO: Neymar credits Cristiano Ronaldo for Saudi Pro League transformation

The Hindu  

Cristiano Ronaldo is responsible for transforming the Saudi Pro League, according to Brazil forward Neymar who is looking forward to facing the Portuguese international when he starts playing for Al-Hilal. Neymar transfer to Al Hilal - Timeline of Brazilian striker’s club career Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, joined Al-Nassr in December on a two-and-a-half-year contract following his acrimonious departure …

Neymar completes Saudi move to Al Hilal after 6 seasons with PSG
1 year, 4 months ago

Neymar completes Saudi move to Al Hilal after 6 seasons with PSG

Hindustan Times  

Neymar became the latest superstar soccer player to take the riches on offer from the Saudi Pro League, completing a move to Al Hilal on Tuesday after six seasons at Paris Saint-Germain. Neymar before the start of a match Al Hilal, a record 18-time national champion, is one of four Saudi clubs effectively nationalized by the Public Investment Fund, the …

Neymar completes Saudi move to Al Hilal after 6 seasons with Paris Saint-Germain
1 year, 4 months ago

Neymar completes Saudi move to Al Hilal after 6 seasons with Paris Saint-Germain

Associated Press  

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Neymar became the latest superstar soccer player to take the riches on offer from the Saudi Pro League, completing a move to Al Hilal on Tuesday after six seasons at Paris Saint-Germain. Al Hilal, a record 18-time national champion, is one of four Saudi clubs effectively nationalized by the Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund …

Saudi Pro League kicks off after raiding Europe’s top football clubs
1 year, 4 months ago

Saudi Pro League kicks off after raiding Europe’s top football clubs

Al Jazeera  

The Saudi Pro League kicks off on Friday following a year of high-profile transfers and amid criticism that Saudi Arabia’s lavish spending amounts to an attempt to shift the focus from its dire human rights record. “I’m aware of people now asking the question: Where can I watch the Saudi Pro League?” Just a few years after allowing its first …

Saudi Pro league set to kick off new dawn for football
1 year, 4 months ago

Saudi Pro league set to kick off new dawn for football

The Hindu  

When the new Saudi Pro League season kicks off on Friday, it will herald a new dawn for football in the Gulf kingdom which has spent close to half a billion dollars luring top players and coaches from traditional European powerhouses. Al-Ahli, in particular, is one of the few clubs that has benefited from the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s project …

How Saudi football clubs are posing a challenge to European supremacy
1 year, 4 months ago

How Saudi football clubs are posing a challenge to European supremacy

The Hindu  

With Saudi Arabian clubs offering ludicrous deals and managing to attract star players, global attention is diverting from European leagues. Saudi pro league club Al-Hilal made French club Paris Saint Germain an offer of a mind-blowing €300 million for its talismanic forward Kylian Mbappe last week. While Mbappe’s future remains uncertain, the offer is a strong statement from the Saudi …

Saudi Pro League champion Al-Ittihad signs midfielder Fabinho from Liverpool
1 year, 4 months ago

Saudi Pro League champion Al-Ittihad signs midfielder Fabinho from Liverpool

The Hindu  

Brazil midfielder Fabinho has joined Al Ittihad from Liverpool on a three-year deal, the Saudi club announced on Monday. Financial details were not disclosed but British media reported the Saudi Pro League champion, known as Tigers, paid 40 million pounds for the 29-year-old. Al-Ittihad posted a video on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, with the title “Tigers are …

Saudi club Al Hilal offers €140 million for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen: Reports
1 year, 4 months ago

Saudi club Al Hilal offers €140 million for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen: Reports

The Hindu  

Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal has offered a transfer fee of 140 million euros for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, the British Media reported on Monday. The Saudi Pro League has seen a large number of high-profile footballers shift bases from European football, with Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson the latest addition in the league, who joined Al-Ettifaq this month. Al …

Saudi investment has ‘changed’ transfer market, says Man City’s Guardiola after Mahrez exit
1 year, 4 months ago

Saudi investment has ‘changed’ transfer market, says Man City’s Guardiola after Mahrez exit

The Hindu  

Saudi Arabia has changed football’s transfer market in its bid to “create a strong league”, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said on Saturday after Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez left the Premier League club to join Al-Ahli. Arsenal unveils statue of ‘Invincibles’ manager Arsene Wenger outside stadium Asked if he had wanted Mahrez to remain at City, Guardiola told reporters, “Definitely. …

PSG accept world-record transfer bid for Kylian Mbappe from club in Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League: Report
1 year, 4 months ago

PSG accept world-record transfer bid for Kylian Mbappe from club in Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League: Report

Hindustan Times  

The PSG hierarchy were left shocked when Kylian Mbappe decided to not agree to a 12-month contract extension, which will see him depart the Ligue 1 side as a free agent after the 2023-24 season. Mbappe moved to PSG on loan from Monaco in 2017, before his move was made permanent in a deal worth 145 million euros, plus 35 …

Mbappe transfer: Al-Hilal makes €300m offer to PSG - reports
1 year, 5 months ago

Mbappe transfer: Al-Hilal makes €300m offer to PSG - reports

The Hindu  

Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal has made a record-breaking offer of €300m to Paris Saint-Germain for forward Kylian Mbappe, The Athletic reported on Monday. READ - Mbappe calls PSG ‘divisive team’ as contract standoff drags on Mbappe, who scored 41 goals in 43 games in all competitions for PSG this season, would be free to negotiate and sign a pre-contract …

Saudi Arabian soccer team Al-Hilal makes record $332 million bid for France striker Kylian Mbappe
1 year, 5 months ago

Saudi Arabian soccer team Al-Hilal makes record $332 million bid for France striker Kylian Mbappe

Associated Press  

SYDNEY — After missing out on Lionel Messi, Saudi Arabian soccer team Al-Hilal made a record 300 million euro bid for Kylian Mbappe on Monday, an offer which could see the France striker join Cristiano Ronaldo in the oil-rich kingdom. The moves are part of efforts by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to leverage the kingdom’s oil wealth to …

MLS commissioner Don Garber ‘not threatened’ by Saudi league’s growing influence
1 year, 5 months ago

MLS commissioner Don Garber ‘not threatened’ by Saudi league’s growing influence

New York Times  

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber said he is “not threatened” by the growing influence of the Saudi Professional League in the global football landscape. Speaking with a small group of reporters ahead of Inter Miami’s event to introduce Lionel Messi to fans at DRV PNK Stadium, Garber said the Saudi league’s growing influence speaks to the efforts in “emerging …

Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson leaning towards accepting offer from Al Ettifaq in Saudi Pro League
1 year, 5 months ago

Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson leaning towards accepting offer from Al Ettifaq in Saudi Pro League

New York Times  

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is leaning towards accepting an offer from Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq. Steven Gerrard, Henderson’s former Liverpool team-mate, was appointed last week as Al Ettifaq’s new manager and has played a key role in driving the pursuit of the 33-year-old. Henderson’s former Liverpool team-mate Roberto Firmino signed for Al Ahli last week after his contract …

Marcelo Brozovic becomes the latest player leaving Europe for Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr
1 year, 5 months ago

Marcelo Brozovic becomes the latest player leaving Europe for Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr

The Hindu  

Croatia midfielder Marcelo Brozovic is the latest elite player taking advantage of the Saudi Arabian league’s riches by joining Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. The move means Brozovic will go from having played in the Champions League final in his last match with Inter Milan — as team captain — to a league that is …

Mohamed Salah Joins Saudi Club Al-Adalah, His Teammate Left Confused and Ashamed
1 year, 6 months ago

Mohamed Salah Joins Saudi Club Al-Adalah, His Teammate Left Confused and Ashamed

News 18  

Mohamed Salah signed for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Adalah but it was not the Liverpool superstar that made the move, leaving Brazilian teammate a bit confused. The Saudi Pro League has made waves in the summer transfer window, luring players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have and even N’Golo Kante and Ruben Neves from the Premier League. The Saudi club Al-Adalah …

Saudi Arabia’s lavish recruitment drive rolls on despite Messi miss
1 year, 6 months ago

Saudi Arabia’s lavish recruitment drive rolls on despite Messi miss

The Hindu  

Missing out on Lionel Messi hasn’t slowed Saudi Arabia’s ambitious recruitment drive as the oil-rich kingdom tries to establish itself as a viable destination for the world’s top players. World Cup and Champions League winner N’Golo Kante became the latest stellar player to head to the lucrative Pro League, signing a three-year contract Wednesday to team up with Benzema at …

Saudi Arabia’s lavish recruitment drive rolls on despite Messi miss
1 year, 6 months ago

Saudi Arabia’s lavish recruitment drive rolls on despite Messi miss

Associated Press  

MANCHESTER, England — Missing out on Lionel Messi hasn’t slowed Saudi Arabia’s ambitious recruitment drive as the oil-rich kingdom tries to establish itself as a viable destination for the world’s top players. World Cup and Champions League winner N’Golo Kante became the latest stellar player to head to the lucrative Pro League, signing a three-year contract Wednesday to team up …

Saudi Arabia can help Chelsea solve headache — but talks raise more questions than answers
1 year, 6 months ago

Saudi Arabia can help Chelsea solve headache — but talks raise more questions than answers

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. High-placed sources say this week brings a lot of discussion between Saudi …

UEFA president Čeferin dismisses idea of threat to European football from big spending Saudis
1 year, 6 months ago

UEFA president Čeferin dismisses idea of threat to European football from big spending Saudis

The Hindu  

European football should not be afraid of a player exodus to Saudi Arabian clubs, UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said Sunday, suggesting the country was making a mistake investing in stars at the end of their careers. More players are expected to follow after four top Saudi Arabian clubs were effectively nationalized this month when taken into majority ownership by the …

UEFA president Čeferin dismisses idea of threat to European soccer from big-spending Saudis
1 year, 6 months ago

UEFA president Čeferin dismisses idea of threat to European soccer from big-spending Saudis

Associated Press  

GENEVA — European soccer should not be afraid of a player exodus to Saudi Arabian clubs, UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said Sunday, suggesting the country was making a mistake investing in stars at the end of their careers. Čeferin was asked by Netherlands broadcaster NOS if he was scared of a player exodus, and answered emphatically: “No, no, no.” “I …

Neymar offered mega deal, to earn Cristiano Ronaldo’s wages: Reports
1 year, 6 months ago

Neymar offered mega deal, to earn Cristiano Ronaldo’s wages: Reports

Hindustan Times  

Since making his 222 million Euros move to PSG, Neymar has been a divisive figure in Paris. With Lionel Messi departing the club as a free agent, there have been reports that the PSG hierarchy would also try to sell Neymar. Also, Neymar could hit the jackpot in terms of finances as Al-Hilal are reportedly interested in signing him after …

Benzema fever hits Jeddah ahead of Al-Ittihad presentation
1 year, 6 months ago

Benzema fever hits Jeddah ahead of Al-Ittihad presentation

The Hindu  

Saudi champion Al-Ittihad sold more than 56,000 tickets for Karim Benzema’s presentation at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium only a few hours after sales were announced on Wednesday. The France striker and Ballon d’Or winner signed a three-season contract with the Saudi Pro League club on Tuesday for a total of $165 million, according to local media. Benzema, 35, …

Why has Saudi sovereign fund taken over kingdom’s football clubs?
1 year, 6 months ago

Why has Saudi sovereign fund taken over kingdom’s football clubs?

Al Jazeera  

As more international players join Saudi league, country announces launch of investment and privatisation project in a bid to grow the sport. “Now, they are trying to culturally transform these organisations from being state dependent into being much more purposeful strategic and businesslike organisations.” According to the state-run Saudi Press Agency, the process aims to encourage the sport’s growth by …

N’Golo Kante set to sign with Al Ittihad, claims report
1 year, 6 months ago

N’Golo Kante set to sign with Al Ittihad, claims report

The Hindu  

World Cup-winning French midfielder N’Golo Kante has signed a three-year deal with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad, a club source told AFP on Wednesday, a day after Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema also joined the team. The club source did not divulge the size of the deal, which comes as the oil-rich Gulf monarchy buys up a swathe of players for its …

Karim Benzema becomes the Saudi league's latest star after signing with Al-Ittihad
1 year, 6 months ago

Karim Benzema becomes the Saudi league's latest star after signing with Al-Ittihad

The Hindu  

Karim Benzema has become the latest football star to move to Saudi Arabia after signing with the national champion Al-Ittihad on Tuesday. Benzema, who left Real Madrid after 14 years and 648 games, is set to play against his former Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in January. Decorated Madrid stint The 35-year-old Benzema had been with Madrid since …

Karim Benzema signs for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad: club source
1 year, 6 months ago

Karim Benzema signs for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad: club source

The Hindu  

Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema has signed for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad for three years starting next season, a source in the Jeddah-based club told AFP on Tuesday. The announcement comes days after Real Madrid announced that the 35-year-old was leaving the club after 14 seasons, the day after coach Carlo Ancelotti had said there was “no doubt” Benzema’s …

Karim Benzema signs 3-year deal with Saudi champions Al-Ittihad
1 year, 6 months ago

Karim Benzema signs 3-year deal with Saudi champions Al-Ittihad

Al Jazeera  

‘I am excited to experience a new football league,’ Benzema said after signing with the club for an undisclosed fee. Former Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has signed a deal to join Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad football club on a three-year deal, according to the club. He joins his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League after …

Saudi Arabian soccer league to get more state funding from policy backed by crown prince MBS
1 year, 6 months ago

Saudi Arabian soccer league to get more state funding from policy backed by crown prince MBS

Associated Press  

GENEVA — Cristiano Ronaldo is already in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s push to attract the world’s best players entered another phase Monday when the sovereign wealth Public Investment Fund took a majority ownership stake in four of the country’s top clubs, including Ronaldo’s Al Nassr. Monday’s announcements seemed to effectively nationalize the top level of domestic soccer as a state …

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