Benzema steals Ronaldo’s status as the most valuable player in the top Arab competition! The slump could be exacerbated by the league’s other star signings

Karim Benzema’s move to Saudi Arabia has generated a huge amount of fan interest, even more than that of his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo a year ago. Moreover, the French cannonballer also stole the status of the league’s most valuable player from his Portuguese friend. Moreover, these are additional reinforcements that would mean a further drop in this ranking for him.

Arab football’s top competition is going from strength to strength

They’ve been terrifying opposing defences for nine long years. During those years, they have won everything that can be achieved at club level with Real Madrid. But now they will be competing in the same league and in a city derby.

When Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Saudi Arabia a year ago, few attributed logic to the move apart from the fat payday from the Arab sheikhs. On a sporting level, however, fans condemned it because it was definitely a step backwards after years spent in Europe’s big clubs.

But after the end of the season, the top Arab competition is showing that it is serious about improving the level of the league. At the beginning of the month, Al-Ittihad brought Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema into their ranks.

The transfer of the French cannonballer caused even more of a stir in the country than it did in the case of the Portuguese star. The welcome of Benzema, who openly professes his Muslim faith, was truly spectacular in the capital Riyadh.

Benzema stole Ronaldo’s status as the league’s most valuable player

But it’s not Cristiano Ronaldo’s only ‘defeat’. Benzema stole Ronaldo’s status as the league’s most valuable player by moving to Arabia. The Portuguese star held that title this season with a value of 15 million euros.

But the arrival of Benzema, who is valued at €25 million by Transfermarkt, demolishes the pre-eminence of his former teammate within the Saudi Pro League. Cristiano, moreover, may see another slump.

Al-Ittihad has already confirmed the arrival of N’Golo Kanté, who has given the nod to the Arab club’s generous offer after seven years in the colours of Chelsea London. According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, the transfer is already complete and the French midfielder will thus meet Benzema in the club’s colours.

In addition, the league will reportedly be boosted by other star players

But Romano also confirmed other speculations today that Chelsea are sending three more players to Arabia. Indeed, Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Hakim Zyich.

He is worth €16 million, according to Transfermarkt, which would mean another Cristiano Ronaldo drop. In addition, Kalidou Koulibaly, who is expected to leave the club for Al Hilal, and Edouard Mendy, who will reportedly strengthen Al Ahli, could also leave the club. So if the aforementioned transfers were to go through, what would the league’s most valuable player table look like?

1. Karim Benzema – €25 million

2. Hakim Zyiech – €16 million

3. Talisca – €15 million

4. Kalidou Koulibaly – 15 million euros

5. N’Golo Kanté – 15 million euros

6. Cristiano Ronaldo – 15 million euros

Cristiano would drop to the sixth most valuable footballer in the league due to his advanced age. The highest Arab football competition is therefore strengthening massively, and it is only the beginning of the transfer window. Will we see the arrival of more star footballers?

Source: Transfermarkt, Twitter – Fabrizio Romano