Saudi League Plots $2 Billion Transfer Blitz, Targeting Vinícius and Global Football Stars
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Saudi Arabia’s professional football league is preparing for an unprecedented spending spree, allocating $2 billion annually to attract 50 top stars and re-establish itself on the global stage. This ambitious plan marks a shift in strategy, moving away from solely targeting veteran players towards acquiring talent currently in their prime.
The move comes as the league seeks to recapture the international attention it initially garnered with the 2023 signing of Cristiano Ronaldo by Al-Nassr. While that transfer signaled a bold entry into the world of elite football, the league’s profile has since diminished.
“This is now to be changed with another major transfer offensive,” reports transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, who is consistently well-informed on these developments.
From Veterans to Visionaries: A New Era for Saudi Football
The league’s new approach prioritizes players at the peak of their careers, with Vinícius Júnior, the 25-year-old Brazilian forward, reportedly on the roster of potential signings. However, the strategy isn’t abandoning experienced players entirely. Stars over 30 will still be considered, particularly those who can expand the league’s reach into new markets or maintain existing fan bases.
Specifically mentioned as potential targets are Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes, and Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.
Securing Ronaldo’s Legacy and Structural Reforms
The Saudi league is also proactively planning for the future of its most recognizable face, Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be 41 in February. Recognizing his impending retirement, officials are exploring options to keep him involved with the league, potentially as a club owner or in another influential role.
Beyond player acquisitions, significant structural changes are underway. Several clubs are slated for privatization, with the long-term goal of ending the sovereign wealth fund’s involvement. Reports indicate that private parties have already expressed interest in acquiring Al-Hilal.
“Signing all these stars requires a lot of money,” one analyst noted, “but for the Saudi League, that’s not a problem.” The $2 billion annual budget will be distributed to clubs based on need, covering transfer fees, player salaries, and agent commissions.
This aggressive investment represents a clear statement of intent: Saudi Arabia aims to become a major force in global football, not just as a destination for established stars, but as a league capable of attracting and developing the game’s brightest talents.
