Neymar, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, N´Golo Kanté, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mané, Edouard Mendy and Marcelo Brozovic, among others, chose the Middle East to continue their careers.
This is all part of the plan by Saudi Arabia’s state investment fund that pumped money into the top four clubs in its league: Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al Nassr.
The first to join the journey was Cristiano Ronaldo He started the trend at the beginning of 2023 with his link to Al-Nassr and for the season that launched a few weeks ago, the competitiveness grew exponentially.
But it was not enough for the Saudis with CR7, currently in Al-Nassr, and in 2023 they accelerated to continue hiring weight figures. Karim Benzema was signed by Al-Ittihad, the same club that seduced N’Golo Kantewith a past at Chelsea and world champion with France in 2018. The incorporation of Fabinho and Jota, which would make their squad competitive in any European league. The technical director, Nuno Espírito Santoalso has extensive experience in European football.
by the side of al hilaldirected by the Portuguese Jorge Jesussigned in this transfer market to Neymar, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves and Malcom.
He paid 90 million euros for the Brazilian and signed a two-year contract.
In Al Nassr, with Cristiano Ronaldo Sadio Mané arrived at the head, but Marcelo Brozovi and Alex Telles also arrived. The technical director is the Portuguese Luís Castro.
Al Ahli, who seeks to hire the Argentine midfielder Rodrigo DePaulsigned Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, Édouard Mendy and Allan Saint-Maximin with the aim of winning his first title since 2016.
If De Paul joins the Saudi cast, he will not be the only Argentine to compete in Saudi Arabia. They are also Ever Banega (Al-Shabab), Lucas Zelarrayán (Al-Fateh SC), Fabián Noguera (Abha Club), Lisandro López (Khaleej FC) and Luciano Vietto (Al-Qadsiah FC).
The Saudi league has been made up of 18 teams since this season, since in the last tournament four were promoted and two were relegated so that the number of teams in competition grows. It will be played in the format of all against all and will end on May 29, 2024.
The five Argentines in the Saudi Arabian league
- Ever Banega (Al-Shabab)
- Lucas Zelarrayan (Al-Fateh SC)
- Fabian Noguera (Abha Club)
- Lisandro Lopez (Khaleej FC)
- Luciano Vietto (Al-Qadsiah FC).
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
