In recent years, several renowned footballers have made surprising moves to Saudi Arabian clubs, enticed by the financial incentives and the chance to experience a different footballing culture.
In this listicle, we’ll explore some notable transfers to Saudi Arabia, including quotes and details about each player’s move.
Al-Ittihad French midfield maestro N’Golo Kante permanently switched from Chelsea to Al-Ittihad. The 30-year-old secured a lucrative three-year contract, earning £10m yearly. Kante, widely recognized as one of the best defensive midfielders globally, boasts an impressive resume, having won the Premier League title with both Leicester City and Chelsea.
Read also: Manchester United: 4 Players Tipped to Make the Move to Old Trafford.
Al-Nassr Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Arabian adventure began in 2018 when he signed for Al-Nassr. However, his time in the country was short-lived, as he struggled to adapt to the intense heat and training schedules. Ronaldo’s stint with Al-Nassr lasted only two matches before he returned to Europe to join Juventus, leaving fans in Saudi Arabia with fond memories but a sense of missed potential.
Karim Benzema joined Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia on June 6, 2023. The 35-year-old French striker, who left Real Madrid after 14 years at the Bernabeu, signed a two-year deal with the Saudi Pro League champions. Benzema is expected to earn significant money in the Middle East, reportedly worth more than $400 million over the three seasons at Al Ittihad.
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Al-Ittihad Moroccan winger Hakim Ziyech, who joined Chelsea from Ajax in 2020, has been linked to Al-Ittihad. Since his arrival, the 28-year-old has faced limited game time at Chelsea. Ziyech’s creative flair and ability to score goals from midfield make him an attractive prospect for Al-Ittihad, who are eager to bolster their attacking options.
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Al-Hilal Belgian goal machine Romelu Lukaku has attracted attention from Al-Hilal. The 28-year-old striker has been in exceptional form for Inter Milan, helping his team secure the Serie A title in 2021. Lukaku’s reputation as one of the world’s best forwards has sparked speculation about a potential move to Saudi Arabia, where Al-Hilal hopes to benefit from his goal-scoring prowess.
While these transfers have grabbed headlines, concerns surrounding Saudi Arabia’s human rights record persist. Amnesty International and other organizations have criticized the country’s treatment of women, minorities, and political dissidents.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has called for an “instant embargo” on transfers to Saudi Arabian clubs until significant improvements are made in human rights.
However, the allure of high wages remains a key factor for many players and agents considering moves to Saudi Arabia.
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