Massive Spendings
This past summer, the Saudi Pro League made a splash in the transfer market, shelling out an impressive $900m to purchase players from abroad. This exuberant spending placed them in second place when compared to the English Premier League, who held their spot at number one. Additionally, astronomical salaries were given to attract talent primarily from Europe’s best leagues.
Carlo Nohra, the Chief Operating Officer of the league, has made it very clear that this is not a short-term investment. The Saudi Arabian Government has promised to provide financial support for the league until it can boast both considerable revenues as well as top quality football.
“While we have the commitment of getting support until however long it takes to achieve our goals, it is important for us to make ourselves commercially viable so that we are responsible for our own financial growth and not completely dependent on government capital,” Nohra told the BBC.
To ensure their new players have the most luxurious lifestyles, Al-Hilal has doled out a considerable amount of money. Neymar, 31, was gifted with not only three luxury cars, according to The Sunbut four Mercedes G Wagons and a Mercedes van for his entourage as well as 24/7 access to a driver. Furthermore, they have provided him with 25 room property that includes an immense 10m by 40m swimming pool and a private jet. Other than Neymar, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Kalidou Koulibaly and Ruben Neves also benefited from Al-Hilal’s lavish expenditures once signed.
Al-Ahli’s re-emergence into the Pro League this season was marked by a flurry of signings, such as Gabri Veiga, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Edouard Mendy and Allain Saint-Maximin.
Along with Benzema, Al-Ittihad signed Kante and Fabinho, and Al-Nassr signed Otavio, Sadio Mane, and Aymeric Laporte.
However, Ronaldo and Benzema received the highest salaries of $3.4m and $3.3m a week, respectively.
On the flip side, Al-Ittihad had their offer of 150 million pounds ($187.10 million) for Mohamed Salah rejected by the Liverpool team, while other bids from Al-Hilal to acquire Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe were unsuccessful, Reuters reported.
