In the past two years Saudi pro league Has transformed the global football transfer market and attracted some of the sport’s biggest stars away from Europe. From Cristiano RonaldoS groundbreaking move to Neymar’s Switch of 90 million eurosSaudi clubs have spent strongly to attract elite superstars. But a Greater strategy has now taken place – one that will affect players who Mohamed is wrong and Vinicius.
For months, Saudi clubs have chased these two veterans, but the latest developments indicate that their endeavor may not continue in the way many expected. The reason? A basic Change in transfer policy which can reshape the league’s identity and its attitude to recruitment.
The league’s expenses reached its peak in In the summer of 2023When clubs sprinkled an astonishing 945 million euros On signings, secure players who Karim Benzema, Riyad Mahrez and Neymar. The arrival of these global icons helped put the Saudi Pro League on the football map, but it also caused concern about sustainability.
But as reported by The IndependentSaudi football authorities have decided to Move away from signing aging superstars and instead focus on Younger talents which can be developed within the league. The shift became clear under January Transfer Window When clubs prioritized new prospects rather than established names.
An excellent example is Jhon Duranthe 21-year-old Colombian striker who joined Al-Nassr for 75 million eurosWhich makes him the league’s second most expensive signing after Neymar. Durán goes with other young South Americans in Saudi Arabia, including Wesley (19), Angelo Gabriel (20) and Marcos Leonardo (21). In the meantime, Kai Cesar (20) and Matteo Dams (20) has also been signed with an eye against long -term development.
From veterans to youth: Why the shift?
The decision to target younger players is driven by several factors, the most important creature Economic sustainability. Signing Less experienced players are considerably cheaper In terms of both transfer fees and wages compared to megasts such as Neymar and Benzema.
For example, Carpetsa rising star from PSV, cost only 10 million eurosWhile Neymar’s bad spell on al-hile costs the club hundreds of millions While you only give Seven performances before his exit. The same pattern has been observed with Other veteran players whose market values have dropped After moving to Saudi Arabia. Neymar saw, for example, its market value Release from € 75 million to just € 15 million on under two years.
What does this mean for Salah and Vinicius?
The decision to Move away from signing aging megastars have direct consequences for Mohamed Salah and Vinicius, Two of the biggest names linked to Saudi clubs in recent months.
For SalahThe change in the approach can be a major obstacle. Al-Hilal, generally as the favorites to sign the Egyptian forward, were expected massive Liverpool should be willing to negotiate. But with the league that now focuses on younger profiles, Salah’s potential features look less safe than before. “Saudi dealers have long been anxious to attract Salah to Pro League,” reports TelegraphHighlights the long-term interest in the Liverpool star.
The same goes for Viniciusas was reportedly offered a transfer fee of 300 million euros of Saudi clubs, along with an astonishing 200 million euros per season salary Over five years. While Real Madrid has no intention to sell Unless the player himself presses on a move, Saudi interest was seen as a major test of their determination. But with the league’s priorities, the likelihood of such an extravagant deal is changed has decreased significantly.
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