Saudi Pro League: With Criano Ronaldo, Benzema on board a look at the possible star-studded XI in the making

The Saudi Pro League is making moves this summer and has been making headlines in recent years for its spending spree on top European players.While critics have pointed out that the league is simply buying success and is not sustainable in the long run, the league has now poached some of the best players from Europe’s top clubs.It all began with Criano Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr at the beginning of the year. His arrival in Saudi Arabia helped to raise the league’s profile.
Ronaldo’s move also sent a signal to other top players that the Saudi Pro League is a serious destination for footballers. Many wondered if Ronaldo could indeed have a trickle-down effect.
The league is still far from challenging the likes of the Premier League and La Liga, but it has undoubtedly made progress.
According to a report in Sky Sports, Saudi Arabia wants 100 of the best foreign players playing in its league within the next five years. This will help in its ambition of making it to the top five leagues worldwide.
But for now, let’s take a look at the star-studded XI who have made or are about to make the journey to the middle-east:
Criano Ronaldo to Al Nassr
Criano Ronaldo. (Twitter)
Criano Ronaldo’s move from Manchester United to Al Nassr in January made headlines as the Portuguese superstar joined the Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr on a 2-1/2 year contract until 2025. According to reports in the media, his contract is estimated to be worth more than 200 million euros ($214.04 million).
Karim Benzema to Al Ittihad

🇫🇷🏟️ Karim Benzema, unveiled infront of 60,000 Al Ittihad supporters! He’ll wear the no.9 shirt out in Saudi Arabia. pic.twitter.com/zuydHbfQ
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) June 8, 2023
Benzema, the Ballon d’Or winner, followed the footsteps of his former Real teammate Criano Ronaldo to the Gulf country and joined Al Ittihad as a free agent. Al-Ittihad won the Saudi Pro League title this year. According to media reports, the deal is estimated to be worth more than 100 million euros.
Roberto Firmino to Al Ahli
Roberto Firmino celebrates after scoring. (Reuters)
Firmino is reportedly in talks to join Saudi Arabia club Al Ahli. The striker is a free agent after his contract with Liverpool ended. There were reports of Barcelona emerging as a destination for Firmino, but recent reports have claimed that the Saudi club are looking to get him on board.
Hakim Ziyech to Al Nassr

Hakim Ziyech to Al-Nassr is Here-We-Go. He will join Criano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦💙 [@FabrizioRomano] pic.twitter.com/6XUwOsPSVw
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) June 26, 2023
Saudi side Al-Nassr wants Hakim Ziyech and his £8m move is almost completed. Chelsea were willing to sell Ziyech in January, but his loan move to PSG collapsed in the last hour. This time though, he looks sure to make the journey.
Ngolo Kante to Al Ittihad

N’Golo Kante has officially joined Saudi Arabia champions Al Ittihad on a three-year deal 🇸🇦✍️
🎥 @ittihad_enpic.twitter.com/VGCoYrO1Sa
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 21, 2023
N’Golo Kante’s time with Chelsea is finally ending after seven years at Stamford Bridge. However, Kante’s last season was plagued injuries, as he missed 38 matches. He is set to join Al-Ittihad as a free agent on a three-year contract, the Saudi club said on Tuesday. The 32-year-old midfielder is set to pocket a deal worth around 86 million pounds ($109.78 million) per year. According to a report in the Guardian, the money being paid to Kante is about half the salary earned Benzema and Criano Ronaldo.
Ruben Neves to Al Hilal
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Ruben Neves applauds fans after the match. (FILE)
Ruben Neves has completed his move to Al Hilal from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Neves was one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe this summer. He had been linked with a move to several top clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Barcelona. However, Al Hilal was able to win the race for his signature. Neves is a talented midfielder who has the potential to make a big impact at Al Hilal. Neves, who signed his deal in Paris, made the move for a fee, reported to be worth 55 million euros ($60 million). He has 40 international caps to his name.
Bernardo Silva to Al Hilal
Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva in action during the English Premier League. (AP)
Al Hilal are pushing hard to convince Bernardo Silva to leave Manchester City with eye-watering figures worth £ 80m a year. Talks have taken place with Jorge Mendes, and financial numbers have been discussed. However, the Man City midfielder is thought to favour Europe.
Kalidou Koulibali to Al Hilal

🚨 Kalidou Koulibaly arriving in Saudi Arabia this morning to complete his medical with Al-Hilal. 🇸🇦🩺🇸🇳
🎥 @taggatsn pic.twitter.com/4SVXPX6JRA
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) June 24, 2023
Senegalese defender Koulibaly has completed his move to Al Hilal and is expected to be a key player as they look to challenge for the AFC Champions League title this season. Koulibaly’s contract is until 2026 but the club did not provide any financial details. British media reported that the Saudi club would pay around 17 million pounds ($21.61 million) for the centre back. Koulibaly scored two goals in 32 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea after joining them from Napoli last July.
Sergio Ramos to Al Ahli
Sergio Ramos in action. (File)
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo has linked Ramos and Saudi Arabia ever since his departure from PSG, with Al Ahli keen to land the legendary centre-back. The 37-year-old is reportedly being offered €30 million per year. However, Al Nassr has emerged as another contender to land Ramos and reunite him with Ronaldo.
Matt Doherty to Al IttihadIf reports are to be believed, Ireland international Matt Doherty could be on his way to Saudi Arabia. Doherty is out of contract after spending six months at Atletico Madrid. “Understand Saudi clubs are now in talks to sign Matt Doherty as a free agent after a six months deal at Atlético Madrid. Negotiations are taking place with the former Spurs fullback,” tweeted Romano. Interestingly, Al-Ittihad, one of the clubs linked with Doherty, is managed the players’ former manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
Edouard Mendy to Al AhliSenegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who Chelsea signed from French club Stade Rennes on a five-year deal, is set to undergo his medical with the Saudi Arabian side on Monday. Reports say that Mendy is set to make the move after losing his place in the starting lineup at Chelsea to Kepa Arrizabalaga last season.