The Saudi Arabian Pro League, also known as the Saudi Professional League, is the top professional football league in Saudi Arabia.
Over the years, several top footballers from around the world have played in this league, bringing their skills and experience to the competition. In the summer of 2023, more of them are expected to continue their playing spell in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Sport has recently announced that the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF) will assume control of four teams in the Saudi Pro League: Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, and Al Nass.
Unlike teams in the Premier League and other European leagues, Saudi clubs are not bound by UEFA's spending regulations. This means that there are no restrictions on the salaries that PIF can offer to attract top players to the Middle East.
With the rumours about new potential moves emerging, let's take a look at the top 10 biggest transfers that have already been finalized in the Saudi Pro League.
Top 10 biggest transfers in the Saudi Pro League
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)
Yearly income: $200 Million
Image Source: Getty Images
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr back in late 2022 from Manchester United after reaching a mutual decision with the Premier League side. This transfer made him the highest-paid football player in football history.
In his first season at the Saudi club, Ronaldo failed to add any titles to his name. However, the Portuguese star is set to continue at his current team, as he confirmed in the latest interview.
Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad)
Yearly income: $214 Million (with commercial deals)
Image Source: Getty Images
Real Madrid star Karim Benzema is yet to play for the Saudi side Al Ittihad.
He has now officially signed a two-year deal with an option for a further season. The attacker will earn €200m per season net salary, including the commercial deals, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
Neymar (Al-Hilal)
Image source: Getty Images
Neymar has officially joined Al-Hilal from PSG during the summer transfer window.
The Brazil international leave the French side following his five-year spell since 2017.
N'Golo Kante (Al Ittihad)
Yearly income: $107 Million (with commercial deals)
Image Source: Getty Images
Chelsea star N'Golo Kante is set to play for Al Ittihad following his transfer to the Saudi club.
The midfielder has now officially joined the Saudi club and will continue his playing spell playing alongside Karim Benzema.
Aymeric Laporte (Al-Nassr)
Image Source: Getty Images
Aymeric Laporte has officially agreed to join Al-Nassr on a three-year contract worth €25 million per season.
The last details are being discussed between the clubs for the move.
Yassine Bono (Al-Hilal)
Image source: Al-Hilal FC
Sevilla star Yassine Bono is on the list of stars that will continue his career in the Saudi Pro League.
The goalkeeper has officially joined Al-Hilal and reportedly will earn €12m per year in the club.
Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal)
Image source - Sky Sports
Ruben Neves officially joins Al Hilal on a permanent contract until 2026.
Kalidou Koulibaly (Al Hilal)
Image Source: Getty Images
Kalidou Koulibaly has joined Al Hilal on a €23m fee. He signs a three-year deal.
Edouard Mendy (Al Ahli)
Image Source: Getty Images
Edouard Mendy is set to depart from Chelsea in the upcoming summer transfer window and join Saudi club Al Ahli.
The move is expected to be permanent, with the contract set to run until June 2026. Sports journalist Fabrizio Romano states that Mendy has already reached an agreement on personal terms with the Saudi club, and negotiations are progressing well.
Roberto Firmino (Al Ahli)
Image Source: Getty Images
Al Ahli are in the final stages of finalizing a deal for Roberto Firmino. A three-year contract has been offered, but the player's side is still negotiating certain details before giving their approval, Fabrizio Romano reports.
The Saudi side are optimistic about unveiling Firmino, along with Edouard Mendy, as their new signings soon.
Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli)
Image Source: Getty Images
Riyad Mahrez has officially joined Al Ahli on a permanent transfer from Manchester City for a £30m fee.
The player's contract will be valid until June 2027.
Marcelo Brozović (Al Nassr)
Image Source: Getty Images
Marcelo Brozović joins Al Nassr on €18m deal from Inter. His contract will be valid until June 2026.
Jordan Henderson (Al-Ettifaq)
Image Source: Getty Images
Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson is also on his way to Saudi Arabia.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool and Al Ettifaq have reached a preliminary agreement on the transfer fee for Jordan Henderson.
The player himself has already agreed to a three-year deal with Al Ettifaq, which was finalized last week. The remaining steps involve the necessary document checks before the official signing takes place, paving the way for Henderson to move to Saudi Arabia.
Fabinho (Al Ittihad)
Image Source: Getty Images
Another Liverpool player Fabinho is on Al Ittihad's radar for a move.
As per Globo's reports, an agreement has been reached between all parties involved, and the transfer of the Brazil international to Al-Ittihad is on the verge of completion.
Liverpool have accepted a £40m offer for the player after finalizing personal terms between the player and the club. Only administrative procedures are now left before the deal can be finalized.
Seko Fofana (Al Nassr)
Image Source: Getty Images
Seko Fofana is on his way to Al Nassr after the French side Lens reached an agreement over his move.
The player has already completed the first part of the medical tests to be unveiled as an Al Nassr player, per Fabrizio Romano.
Alex Telles (Al Nassr)
Image Source: Al Nassr
Al Nassr have officially signed Alex Telles from Manchester United.
Both clubs have reached an agreement and finalized the documents to secure a move for the player.
Sadio Mane (Al Nassr)
Image Source: Getty Images
Sadio Mane has joined Al Nassr as the club confirmed on Tuesday. He joins the club after spending a year at Bayern Munich.
Moussa Dembélé (Al Ettifaq)
Image Source: Getty Images
Al Ettifaq are on the verge of securing the services of Moussa Dembélé as a free agent, having reached a preliminary agreement, Fabrizio Romano reports.
While finalizing the deal for Jordan Henderson, some minor details remain to be sorted out. Nevertheless, Dembélé's move to the Saudi league is now highly likely.
Jack Hendry (Al Ettifaq)
Image Source: Getty Images
Jack Hendry could become Al Ettifaq's third major signing following the deals of Jordan Henderson and Moussa Dembélé.
According to sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, the player is on the verge of completing a permanent transfer from Club Brugge to the Saudi side. The Scottish defender is expected to join Steven Gerrard's team after undergoing a medical this week.
Allan Saint-Maximin (Al Hilal)
Image Source: Getty Images
Allan Saint-Maximin has completed his transfer to Al Ahli permanently from Newcastle United.
The Saudi side reached a verbal agreement to sign the Magpies' attacker for the summer transfer window.
Aleksandar Mitrović (Al Hilal)
Image Source: Getty Images
Al Hilal are also on verge of securing a move for Fulham star Aleksandar Mitrović.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the player has agreed on personal terms days ago, and clubs are now close to the deal after two rejected bids. Raul Jimenez is set to join Fulham as the player's replacement.
Fabinho (Al Ittihad)
Image Source: Twitter
Fabinho signed for Al Ittihad from Liverpool on a contract running until 2026.
Franck Kessié (Al Ahli)
Image Source: Getty Images
Franck Kessié's transfer deal between Al Ahli and Barcelona is progressing, with all the necessary formal documents being signed.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the player has also undergone medical tests in Paris to finalize the agreement.
Piotr Zielinski (Al Ahli)
Image Source: Getty Images
Al Ahli have made an official bid to Napoli for Piotr Zielinski, whose contract expires in 2024.
Negotiations are currently underway to reach a potential agreement for the player's transfer. Fabrizio Romano claims there is a green light from the player's side.
Roger Ibanez (Al Ahli)
Nicolò Campo, LightRocket via Getty Images
Al Ahli have made significant progress in securing Roger Ibanez's transfer, with a verbal agreement reached on personal terms.
The contract is prepared, and the player's medical examination is likely to be conducted in Paris. However, the deal is not entirely finalized as negotiations with AS Roma regarding the transfer fee are still ongoing, reports Fabrizio Romano.
Demarai Gray (Al Shabab)
Image Source: Getty Images
Al Ettifaq expects that the Demarai Gray transfer will be finalized today, with all discussions regarding the transfer fee already concluded. The remaining steps involve working out the final details.
Everton and Al Ettifaq will be in contact to ensure the deal is officially confirmed and completed, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Saudi Pro League 2023/24 - Teams, standings & fixtures