As the January 2024 transfer window enters its final week, Saudi Arabia’s football clubs are poised for potential blockbuster deals, reminiscent of the sensational moves that characterized the 2023 transfer market.
In a remarkable display of financial prowess last year, the Saudi Pro League secured the services of global football icons, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Sadio Mane, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez, Malcom, Ruben Neves, and Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Saudi Pro League transfers: What happened in January 2024
The Kingdom’s football clubs are once again ready to make waves in the winter market of 2024.
The pursuit of Liverpool‘s Mohamed Salah remains a focal point, with Al-Ittihad gearing up for another attempt after their world-record bid in the summer of 2023. The intrigue surrounding Salah’s potential move continues to capture headlines.
While the initial moves in January have been relatively minor, with Mo Adams transferring to Al Khaleej and Victor Ruiz being released by Al-Fayha, the first major signing saw Al Hilal secure Marseille and Brazil left-back Renan Lodi for a substantial €23 million. Al-Hilal, currently leading the Saudi Pro League, anticipates that Lodi’s addition will bolster their quest for the league trophy.
In another noteworthy bid, Al Ittihad attempted to secure Juventus winger Matias Soule for €30 million. However, Soule opted to remain in Europe, declining the move despite his stellar performance in Serie A on loan at Frosinone.
Manchester United‘s Casemiro has emerged as a prime target for Saudi Arabian clubs, with a January transfer appearing increasingly likely as Manchester United seeks to offload the Brazilian star.
The transfer market isn’t one-sided, as prominent names are also set to depart Saudi Arabia in January. Jordan Henderson, who struggled to settle at Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq after a lucrative move from Liverpool last summer, terminated his contract with Ettifaq, paving the way for a return to Europe with Ajax.
Meanwhile, speculation surrounds the potential departure of Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves back to the Premier League, and Al-Ahli‘s Gabri Veiga is reportedly seeking a return to Spain after rejecting a move to Napoli.
Roberto Firmino‘s exit from Saudi Arabia was rumored, but recent indications suggest the Liverpool legend may stay put despite underwhelming performances.
Notable departures include former Inter, Valencia, and Argentina midfielder Ever Banega, released by Al-Shabab, who returned to Argentina to join Newell’s Old Boys.
As the January 2024 transfer window approaches its closing date on February 1, the Saudi Pro League is poised for further dramatic moves, reflecting the broader trend of heavy spending seen in football leagues worldwide, including the Premier League.
Also Read: Fabrizio Romano Updates on Karim Benzema’s Uncertain Future at Al Ittihad
Saudi Pro League Transfers – All Done Deals
| Club Name | January Sales | January Signings | From/To | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Ahli SFC | None so far | None so far | – | – |
| Al-Hazem SC | None so far | None so far | – | – |
| Al-Okhdood Club | None so far | None so far | – | – |
| Al-Riyadh SC | None so far | None so far | – | – |
| Al-Ittihad Club | – | Saad Al-Mousa | Al-Ettifaq | LOAN |
| Haroune Camara | – | Al-Ettifaq | LOAN | |
| Abdulrahman Al-Oboud | – | Al-Ettifaq | LOAN | |
| Al-Nassr FC | None so far | None so far | – | – |
| Al-Shabab FC | – | Musab Al-Juwayr | Al-Hilal | LOAN |
| Mo Adams | – | Al Khaleej | Undisclosed Fee | |
| Ever Banega | – | Newell’s Old Boys | Free Transfer | |
| Al-Hilal SFC | – | Renan Lodi | Marseille | 23m |
| Musab Al-Juwayr | – | Al-Shabab | LOAN | |
| Al-Taawoun FC | – | Ibrahim Al-Shuail | Al-Qadsiah | Free transfer |
| – | Saleh Aboulshamat | Al-Qadsiah | LOAN | |
| Alvaro Medran | – | Al-Ettifaq | Undisclosed | |
| Al-Fateh SC | None so far | None so far | – | – |
| Damac FC | None so far | None so far | – | – |
| Al-Tai | None so far | None so far | – | – |
| Al-Raed SFC | – | Abdullah Ah-Shflwt | Al-Najma | LOAN |
| Al-Ettifaq FC | – | Alvaro Medran | Al-Taawoun | Undisclosed |
| – | Haroune Camara | Al-Ittihad | LOAN | |
| – | Abdulrahman Al-Oboud | Al-Ittihad | LOAN | |
| Jordan Henderson | – | Ajax | Free transfer | |
| Saad Al-Mousa & Hamed Al Ghamdi | – | Al-Ittihad | LOAN | |
| Abha Club | None so far | None so far | – | – |
| Al-Wehda FC | None so far | None so far | – | – |
| Al-Fayha FC | Victor Ruiz | – | Free Agent | Free Transfer |
| Khaleej FC | – | Mo Adams | Al Shabab | Undisclosed Fee |
| Riyadh Al-Ibrahim | – | Al-Kholood | Undisclosed Fee | |
| Hassan Al-Majhad | – | Al-Adalah | LOAN |