Will They Run out of Money? How Saudi Arabia “Blew Up” World Football

Since Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Al-Nassr in 2022, the whole Saudi Pro League football strategy has changed. Each of the teams started to spend more money to acquire top-notch players from Europe. One could argue that this was the case in the past, but the 2023 summer transfer showed otherwise.

Saudi teams are willing to spend more in the upcoming years to purchase quality players. We have seen this a lot, particularly for Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad. Will these teams ever lack money? Let’s explore this subject in the following article.

Why Are Players Leaving for Saudi?

Most players in their twilight years go to the Pro League to earn more money. However, we also saw some exceptions. Both Ruben Neves and Aleksandar Mitrovic were capable of competing at a top level, but they opted for a different competition.

The same can be said about Neymar and Sadio Mane. Once, they were notable representatives of their clubs (Barcelona and Liverpool), but now they are in Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.

The Roots of Investments

Saudi Arabia’s venture into football is part of a broader strategy known as Vision 2030. Prince Mohammed bin Salman seeks to leverage the kingdom’s wealth to become a global player in various sectors, including sports and entertainment. Football, being the world’s most popular sport, presents an attractive avenue for Saudi Arabia.

The most conspicuous example of Saudi investment in football came with the takeover of Newcastle United. This move was met with both enthusiasm and skepticism, as it promised a financial injection that could transform the club into a powerhouse.

The Impact on World Football

The consequences of Saudi Arabia’s investments are profound. On the one hand, they have the potential to level the playing field, providing smaller clubs with the resources to compete with top teams. On the other hand, there is a fear that the massive financial power could lead to an arms race that only the richest clubs can compete in.

One of the most prominent examples was Jurgen Klopp, who noted that acquiring players from Europe must be limited to some extent. During the 2023 summer transfer window, he saw one of his two best players, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, leave for the Saudi Pro League.

Looking Ahead

As Saudi Arabia continues to make bold moves in the football world, the long-term outcomes remain uncertain. The kingdom’s investments could result in a more globalized and competitive football landscape, but they also pose significant challenges and questions about the sport’s future.

One thing is clear – Saudi Arabia is unlikely to run out of money. Its strategy of leveraging the sport for economic diversification and global influence is reshaping the game. 

Whether this will lead to a sustainable future for football or disrupt the sport’s traditional dynamics is a question that only time will answer. As the world watches, the mix of wealth, politics, and football continues to evolve, promising to keep the debate alive for years.