Which Premier league players have opted for the Saudi Pro League?

Revolutions don’t come about often in the world of football. Sure, there have been staggering steps forward in recent times in affiliated fields, such as the way the game is marketed, the prevalence of online sports betting sites and some of the best online casino games linking directly to football though player endorsements – the list is almost endless here – but closer to the pitch things change a lot more slowly.

But what has been happening this summer does amount to a huge shake-up of the game, particularly to the epicentre of its power: Europe. And the cat among the pigeons is the lucrative Saudi Pro League, the latest beneficiary in what is a concerted effort on behalf of the Saudi state to involve itself in some of the biggest sports and sporting events on the planet.

And this move has certainly been coming. With Saudi investment and sponsoring already prevalent in sports such as Formula One and Boxing, the establishment of the controversial LIV golf tour marked a more aggressive effort from the country to change the dynamics and evolve the power bases of the established global sporting elite.

And now, as Saudi Arabia turns its attention to the planet’s biggest sport – football – there are nervous glances being made by the traditional powerhouses in Europe. And what we have already seen this summer is what could be the start of a considerable exodus of top talent to the Saudi Pro League –  an 18 -team division which represents the pinnacle of Saudi domestic football. And whereas it started out as a destination for players entering the twilight of their careers, what we have seen in recent weeks is the signing of players from Premier League clubs who can certainly be seen to be in their prime. Here’s who’s made the move so far:

Older talent

Certainly it’s easy to see why players reaching the end of their careers would choose a move to the lucrative Saudi Pro league and all the riches on offer. Of course, Cristiano Ronaldo is already there having left from Manchester United a year ago to join Al-Nassr. That move seemed to act as the catalyst to other veteran Premier League stars to make the move east. Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante has opted to join Al-Ittihad after several successful seasons in England, while teammates Kalidou Koulibaly and Edourd Mendy have moved to Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli respectively. Liverpool have also seen somewhat of an exodus with captain Jordan Henderson leading the charge with a move to Al-Ettifaq, managed by ex-Reds legend Steven Gerrard. Roberto Firmino has joined Al-Ahli. Manchester United have seen Alex Telles join Al-Nassr, while one of the biggest surprises was the signing by Al-Hilal of Wolves playmaker Ruben Neves for a sum of more than €50m. At the age of 26 and approaching his prime. Neves’ move is the outlier in that it really could signify a change in preference for players in their peak years choosing to join the Saudi project rather than seeking moves to the traditional European powerhouse leagues in England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France.

Who’s next?

More big money moves look set to follow. Liverpool midfielder Fabinho has been linked with a €45m move to Al-Ittihad, while Fulham striker Alexander Mitrovic – the club’s top scorer in the Premier League last season – is also said to be close to a transfer to one of the Saudi top tier teams. One of the biggest names seemingly set on a move is Manchester City’s treble winner Riyad Mahrez. Again these three players would mark the signing of talent that would certainly still have attracted lucrative offers in Europe, and signifies the intent of Saudi clubs to compete for current stars, not just those players who are looking for a last pay-day in the sun.

Who is already there?

Of course it’s not just Premier League players that have been targeted by this ambitious Middle East project. Karim Benzema, the legendary Real Madrid and France striker, has already made the move to join Ronaldo as an ex-Balon D’or winner to be lining up for the new season. Former Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic was attracting plenty of admiring glances from Premier League clubs before ultimately deciding to sign for Al-Hilal, while former Celtic striker Jota is another high-profile arrival. Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozoviz played in a Champions League final a matter of weeks ago, but will line up for Al-Nassr next season.

While the future is uncertain, what is not in doubt is that this summer represents a new revolution in football circles. And the consequences to the premier League, the Champions League and the traditional powerhouses of global football remain to be seen.