In recent years the Saudi Pro League has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from an unknown football league into a world challenger for high-quality international football stars. This shift is not merely a change in status that changes the league’s ability to attract world-class talent, it is also a strategic initiative in advance of the 2034 World Cup hosted in the Kingdom.
As the league continues to gain prominence, and draws an increasing number of renowned professional footballers from around the globe, it shapes the conditions for a successful bid and a triumphant tournament where the fan base are familiar with the Saudi venues and stars.
Previous attempts to make a dent in the ‘Top 5’ leagues in Europe over the years have not seen long-term success, such as China’s mid 2010 spending spree which failed once a government cap on transfers and salaries on both overseas and domestic players halted any developments in a new top-quality league. However, will Saudi Arabia’s Government backed investments not just ruffle European football’s feathers but also put the Kingdom permanently on the global football map?
The Rising Appeal of the Saudi Pro League
Several factors contribute to the Saudi Pro League's rising appeal. Vision 2030 underpins a national strategy to diversify the economy away from oil and gas; sport accompanied with tourism is a key revenue target. Furthermore, local fan engagement and fan participation contribute to the national objective of a healthy nation.
The Saudi Arabian government and private investors have therefore committed considerable funds to elevate the league's global profile. This financial backing has allowed clubs to offer competitive salaries and lucrative contracts, making the league an attractive destination for top-tier footballers. Most notably, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) acquiring controlling stakes in four Saudi Pro League clubs - Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.
The strategic vision of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has played a pivotal role. The federation’s goal is to develop the domestic football scene and enhance its global reputation. This strategy includes not only improving the quality of the competition but also hosting high-profile international events and partnerships with global football organisations. A solo runner in the bid for the 2034 World Cup may see the first 48-team tournament in a single country hosted in the Kingdom. This is arguably the real prize for investing in global talent a decade out.
Big Money Moves
Previous transfer windows saw some of the world’s biggest stars make their way to Saudi, such as Cristiano Ronaldo to Al-Nassr on a $200 million annually for 2-and-a-half-years, aswell as Neymar’s $98 million move from PSG to Al-Hilal. Karim Benzema and Sergio Busquets, previously of European giants Real Madrid and Barcelona also made the move to the Middle East last summer, aswell as Premier League winners Sadio Mane and N’Golo Kante. Respectively these high calibre names are arguably past their prime, however this summer the market experienced a number of successful Saudi Pro League deals completed for players with the ability to play in the top leagues in Europe.
Al-Alhi agreed a $52 million deal with Brentford for striker Ivan Toney until 2028, reportedly paying him £400,000 a week.
Al-Ittihad spent a combined $72 million on Aston Villa winger Diaby and Roma’s French midfielder Houssem Aouar.
Manchester City defender and 3-time Premier League winner Joao Cancelo signs for Al-Hilal in a $25 million deal.
Al-Nassr sign RB Leipzig defender Simakan for $45 million, Chelsea teenager Angelo for $23 million aswell as Brazilians Bento and Wesley for $18 million each.
The PIF has been recognised as the world’s most valuable sovereign wealth fund with $925 billion of assets under management in 2023. Therefore, it would be of no surprise if the level of spending of the four PIF owned sides continued for many years to enhance the publicity and level of quality in the league.
Implications for the Saudi Pro League
These large investments enhance the league’s competitive edge, as experienced international players and managers bring high quality football knowledge, tactics, and professional standards. This improved quality both off and on the pitch is expected to foster a more competitive environment and raise the level of domestic talent in the long run.
However, only 4 of the 18 teams are experiencing strong financial backing which may be leading to a lack of competitiveness, and a cemented ‘Top Four’ outcome for seasons to come, as the other Pro League sides cannot offer the wages to attract top talent. The average spend of the non-PIF owned clubs this summer window was around $1 million with a large number of free transfers, a stark contrast to the four PIF sides who averaged $53 million between them this window!
It is clear the ability to attract top professional footballers accelerates the potential of the Pro League becoming an internationally recognised league. However, the Premier League has been built on over a century of football league clubs with heritage and history through generations of supporters. These foundations underpin a strong case for being globally watched and supported, as the global standing of sides like Manchester United and Liverpool simply can’t be built overnight.
Despite this, the big transfers have certainly made us more inclined to pick up an Al-Nassr or Al-Hilal ticket this season to watch some of the biggest names in football. This would not have been a consideration a couple of years ago, showing the positive step it can have on a non-Saudi club supporter and the wider football fanbase.
The Saudi Pro League may be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years. Time will tell as fan engagement numbers will be the evidence of change, and potentially a much improved national team at the 2034 World Cup given they have domestically played alongside some of the great international players of this generation.
References
1. ‘PIF acquiring controlling stakes in four Saudi Pro League Clubs’ - https://tinyurl.com/2zmf5trw
2. ‘First 48 team tournament hosted in a single country’ - https://saudi2034bid.com/
3. ’Cristiano Ronaldo to Al-Nassr’ - https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63805297
4. ‘Neymar’s $98 million move from PSG to Al-Hilal’ - https://tinyurl.com/2w7yyxpy
5. Transfers listed & average spend - https://tinyurl.com/4kpv44sh
6. ’PIF most valuable sovereign wealth fund’ - https://tinyurl.com/bdxr6p8u
7. ‘China mid 2010’s spending spree’ https://tinyurl.com/3szak4hx
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