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, Al-Khaleej, 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-KHALEEJ?
Khaleej Football Club is a Saudi Arabian multisports club. Located in Saihat, Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. It is a sports, social, and educational club. Additionally, different teams in this club, categorized at different levels based on age, play different sports. Among the sports played by the Khaleej Club teams are football, handball, volleyball, basketball, tennis, table tennis, gymnastics, athletics, aquatics, and others.
The current administration that runs the club is the club president Fawzi Al-Bashsa and vice-president Nazih Al-Nasr. With respect to football play their home games at Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Stadium Saihat. The club was established in 1945 almost 78 years ago. The team is managed by former Portuguese international Pedro Emanuel. Khaleej is currently playing 11th on the 2023-24 Saudi Pro League table after 9 matches and 9 points. Let’s look at some important transfers this season.
Also Read: Al Khaleej FC Players: The club’s goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, forwards and coaches
KHALED NAREY (POAK SALONIKA) – reported €2.00M fee
The 29-year-old German winger signed for Al-Khaleej this season. He joined the club on 28th August 2023 on a yearlong contract and is the most expensive signing of the club this season.
MOHAMED SHERIF (EL AHLY) – reported €1.37M fee
The 27-year-old signed a three-year deal with the club. The Egyptian plays as center-forward and can be a lethal threat to opponent defenses.
IBRAHIM SEHIC (KONYASPOR) – reported € 700 K fee
Former Konyaspor goalkeeper Ibrahim joins Al-Khaleej. The Bosnian international signed a multi-year deal with the club on 31st July 2023.
OTHER TEAM SIGNINGS ARE LISTED AS BELOW:
| NAME | AGE | LEFT | FEE |
| LISANDRO LOPEZCENTRE-BACK | 33 | CLUB TIJUANA | FREE TRANSFER |
| IVO RODRIGUESRIGHT-WINGER | 28 | FAMALICAO | FREE TRANSFER |
| PEDRO REBOCHOLEFT-BACK | 28 | LECH POZNAM | FREE TRANSFER |
| WOO-YOUNG JUNGDEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER | 33 | AL-SADD SC | FREE TRANSFER |
| SAEED AL-HAMALRIGHT-BACK | 27 | ABBAH | FREE TRANSFER |
| ABDULLAH AL-SALEMCENTRE-FORWARD | 30 | AL-ETTIFAQ | FREE TRANSFER |
| KHALED AL-SUMAIRIDEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER | 26 | AL-ITTIHAD CLUB | FREE TRANSFER |
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?
LUKA MODRIC
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric reportedly turned down an offer from Saudi Arabia and decided to stay at his current club for another season
ISCO ALARCON
Free agent Isco Alarcon, who most recently played for Real Madrid and Sevilla, reportedly received an offer from the Saudi club Al-Khaleej but turned it down.
JAMIE VARDY
Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy has reportedly turned down a lucrative opportunity to join Saudi Pro League club Khaleej FC. The 36-year-old striker, who has entered the final year of his contract with Leicester City, is yet to discuss his future following the club’s relegation to the Championship.