Saudi Arabia According to Saudi Pro League board member Peter Hutton, Saudi Arabian clubs will continue to invest heavily in the transfer market, not just stop at current stars.
"Signing Ronaldo and Benzema is just the beginning," Hutton said on August 3. "I think the budget will be released over many years. I have worked in the sports industry for 40 years and I have never seen a project as big, as ambitious and as determined. It is definitely a big acceleration."
Hutton also believes that the fact that Saudi Arabian clubs are "gutting" European clubs does not mean that football in the old continent will weaken. On the other hand, he believes that distributing power from Europe to the rest of the world is a good thing.
Ronaldo scored for Al Nassr in a 1-1 draw with Zamalek on the evening of August 3. Photo: Al Nassr
The Saudi Pro League was thrust into the spotlight when Al Nassr signed Cristiano Ronaldo in January 2023. According to Hutton, around 170 countries have signed broadcast deals for the tournament. Since then, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, PIF, has taken over four top clubs to attract more players. This summer, Benzema joined Al Ittihad, earning the same $200 million-a-year salary as Ronaldo. Jordan Henderson, N'Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino, Ruben Neves, Riyad Mahrez, Edouard Mendy and Sadio Mane have also joined various Saudi clubs.
Al Hilal even offered to buy Kylian Mbappe for $330 million and a salary of $775 million per year. However, the PSG striker refused.
"The good thing is that the Mbappe bid and signings like Ruben Neves show that it's not just older players who are being considered," Hutton added. "It's more about what will add value, glamour and star factor to the league."
The 2023-24 Saudi Pro League will feature 18 teams, two more than last season. The tournament will begin on August 11. In the first round, Ronaldo's Al Nassr will travel to Al Ettifaq, the team of coach Steven Gerrard and midfielder Jordan Henderson.
Last season, Al Ittihad won the Saudi Pro League with 72 points, five points ahead of Al Nassr. Al Hilal finished third with 59 points.
Thanh Quy (according to BBC )
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