The Saudi Pro League flipped over the transfer market. Helped by the endless riches of the Public Investment Fund, the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund that manages roughly $700 billion in government money, Saudi Arabia attracted some of football’s biggest stars this summer.
The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo in December was the main cause of the European exodus, starting a trend that evolved into arguably the biggest story in the sport.
Top clubs in the Saudi pro league like Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli got a better hold on the PIF’s riches as they are to function under their ownership.
The Saudi pro league has recorded a net spend of €889 million this summer which includes not only the PIF-owned clubs but others like, Al-Ettifaq, Al-Shabab, and others. With the Saudi transfer window now closed, here’s a comprehensive list of players who made the lucrative switch to the Middle East in recent months.
Who signed for Al-Ettifaq?
Al Ettifaq Football Club is a professional football club in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. It was established by the merger of three Damman clubs in 1944. Al Ettifaq was the first Saudi team to win an international title – the 1984 Arab Club Champions Cup. Al-Ettifaq are currently 7th on the Saudi pro league table and last year they finished in the same spot.
Also Read: Al Ettifaq FC Players: The club’s goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, forwards and coaches
A homegrown Saudi squad, currently having 9 overseas players with the likes of Brazilian goalkeeper Paulo Victor and Wolfsburg and Fenerbahce’s center-back Marcel Tisserand among others making Al-Ettifaq a promising side.
Players like the Flamengo star Vitinho add a Brazilian flair to the team along with youngsters Amin Younes and Fahd Al-Dossari who are back to the team after being loaned out for the previous season. Sweden striker Robin Quaison has been the favorite having scored 13 goals in 47 matches while captain Mohammed Al-Kuwaykibi has bagged 160 appearances in the past seven years.
JORDAN HENDERSON (LIVERPOOL) – reported €14M fee
The Former Liverpool captain completed a three-year move, where he will join his old Reds teammate Steven Gerrard, who is the coach. The 33-year-old England international joined Liverpool in 2011 and won the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and League Cup. He now seeks to work his magic in midfield along with the rest of the team.
DEMARAI GRAY (EVERTON) – reported €9.3M fee
The 27-year-old signed a four-year deal, having fallen out with Everton manager Sean Dyche. Despite the deal not going through on European deadline day, the clubs were able to reach an agreement before the Saudi transfer window closed on Sept. 7
GIORGINIO WIJNALDUM (PSG) – reported € 8M fee
Former Liverpool midfielder Wijnaldum also joins his ex-teammates Gerrard and Henderson, with PSG landing a €9m fee. The Netherlands international saw his playing time decrease in Paris and opted for a new challenge
JACK HENDRY (BRUGGE) – reported £5M fee
Jack Hendry made 32 appearances in the Belgian Pro League after joining Brugge in 2021 and the 28-year-old Scotland international spent time on loan at Cremonese in Serie A last season. Reports claimed that al-Ettifaq agreed to €6.5 million to Brugge to rope in this young English talent.
MOUSSA DEMBELE (LYON) – FREE TRANSFER
The striker signed a four-year deal after the expiry of his contract with Lyon, whom he joined in 2018. The former Celtic forward made 28 appearances last season for Lyon and scored three goals.
Coaches that made the switch:
Steven Gerrard, Al Ettifaq
The former Liverpool captain, who was fired by Aston Villa in November 2022 after less than 12 months at Villa Park, rejected an initial offer to move to Al Ettifaq, but further discussions with the club hierarchy saw the 43-year-old come to an agreement. Gerrard agreed to take over the Dammam-based outfit on July 3. He signed a 2-year deal for al-Ettifaq. Under Steven’s command, his team has won 5 out of their 9 league matches this season and drawn 2.
Who else was linked?
The PIF is keen to keep adding players to its ever-growing stable of stars after assuming control of Saudi Arabia’s four biggest clubs – the league’s founding members Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr. The other clubs are not way behind but are trying to gain capital. The summer spree may be over, but don’t expect the rumors to slow down. The January window will be open before you know it.
Who rejected the move?
JORDAN SANCHO
Al-Ettifaq failed with a late move to sign Jadon Sancho on loan from Manchester United on Thursday’s Saudi Pro League transfer deadline. Steven Gerrard’s outfit made their move for the winger after his public falling out with United boss Erik ten Hag. But their offer ultimately fell apart when Old Trafford chiefs insisted on including a £ 50 million obligation to make the move permanent. Al-Ettifaq were unable to afford that fee and were forced to withdraw their interest.
WILFRED ZAHA
Wilfried Zaha had discussed a potential move to Saudi Arabia this summer to join the Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq. Zaha had apparently received a written offer from the Saudi Pro League team, Al-Ettifaq, which recently hired Steven Gerrard as their head coach. They planned to pay him £16 million ($20 million) each season. But Galatasaray rejected their request.