The top-tier football league of Saudi Arabia — the Saudi Pro League‘s involvement in the European football transfer market has soared in the past two years disrupting the transfer windows and sending waves across the world with its substantial financial power. It was initiated in January 2023, when Al-Nassr roped in the former Manchester United and Real Madrid icon Cristiano Ronaldo in a sensational move to Riyadh on £173 million per year wages
Consequently, this move pioneered the start of a large exodus of top European players to move to the Middle East on big money transfers. Besides Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr, Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Fabinho and Ayemric Laporte are just a few names on the star-studded list of players who are currently plying their trades in the Saudi Pro League.
Here we are bringing you the list of the top five Saudi Pro League players who boast the Highest Market Value – even higher than the ambassador of the league Cristiano Ronaldo.
5. Malcom – £23 million
The former Barcelona forward had spent six years in Russia playing for Zenit Saint Petersburg before pursuing a move to the Middle East to join Saudi Champions Al-Hilal in July 2023. Malcom is currently the 5th most valued star in the Saudi Pro League.
4.Sergej Milinković-Savić – £25 million
Next in line is the Serbian international Milinkovic Savic, the midfielder is another prominent figure in the Al-Hilal squad. Despite several interests from high-profile European clubs the midfielder opted to pursue his career in Riyadh. The 29-year-old is fourth fourth-highest market-value name in the League
Also Read: Al-Nassr boss argues VAR decision to Cancel Cristiano Ronaldo Goal vs Al-Raed ‘incorrect’
3. Neymar Jr – £25 million
Neymar Jr — a name that needs no introduction, the former PSG and Barca star shocked the football fraternity with news of his arrival at SPL giants Al-Hilal following the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo the winger in the summer of 2023. The Brazilian superstar is the third most valued figure.
2. Ruben Neves – £27 million
The 27-year-old Portuguese midfielder had left Premier League club Wolves to join Al-Hilal at the peak of his career. Neves has been a standout performer for his club last season helping in winning League accolades, Saudi Cup and Super Cup titles. He is the second-most valued player in Saudi Arabia.
1. Moussa Diaby – £46.8million
The first on the list of SPL players with the highest market value in 2024 is the new arrival Mousa Diaby. The French winger has recently joined the Al-Ittihad on a £50 million transfer from the English top tier In Jeddah, he will be teaming up with fellow French players such as Karim Benzema, Ngolo Kante and Houssem Aouar.