Saudi Arabia rules the transfers. Which stars have already headed to the Middle East?

Saudi Arabia rules the summer transfer window. Millions from the Middle East have already attracted several stars, check out the list of players who have swapped Arabia for a European career.

Cristiano Ronaldo – Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo was the first to set his sights on Saudi Arabia. He himself has recently stated that other players are going to the Saudi Pro League for him, but I’m sure it will also have something to do with money. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia had huge money before, but no real star came before Ronaldo, only after the bag was torn.

Karim Benzema – Al-Ittihad

The second biggest star who opened the way to Arabia even more. The current Ballon d’Or winner was paid roughly the same royal salary as Cristiano Ronaldo, and together they are among the highest paid players in the world.

N’golo Kanté – Al-Ittihad

The 2018 world champion and one of the most popular footballers in the world. After a complicated injury, he should find it hard to return to a Chelsea squad that has been transformed beyond recognition during his absence.

Marcelo Brozovic – Al-Nassr

One of the pillars of the Croatian national team and Champions League finalists Inter Milan. Barcelona were very keen on Brozovic, but the 30-year-old defensive midfielder chose a more lucrative offer from Al-Nassr and will be Cristiano Ronaldo’s teammate.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – Al-Hilal

For a few years, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been linked with a move to a big club, and at one point he was already supposed to have one foot in Manchester United. Nothing worked out in the end and the 28-year-old Serbian headed to Arabia for €28 million

Ruben Neves – Al-Hilal

Maybe not the most famous name, but definitely the most expensive transfer. The Portuguese was the first player to leave for Arabia at the ideal age and not just to retire to finish his career. Wolves paid Al-Hilal 55 million euros for the 26-year-old midfielder.

Roberto Firmino – Al-Ahli

After many years at Liverpool, his contract expired and he didn’t sign a new one even due to less playing time. There was speculation of a continuation in Europe, but Firmino also ended up in the Middle East.

Edouard Mendy – Al-Ahli

Two years ago he celebrated winning the Champions League with Chelsea, which he led them to as number one in goal. But he lost his place last season at the expense of Kepa Arrizabalaga and decided to leave London in the summer. Al-Ahli paid 18.5 million euros for him.

Jota – Al-Ittihad

Another youngster who still had a decent career ahead of him in Europe. Neves’ compatriot Jota left Celtic to join Al-Ittihad, who paid €29 million for him.

Kalidou Koulibaly – Al-Hilal

Kalidou Koulibaly lasted just one year at Chelsea. He was supposed to be a big signing after arriving from Napoli, the whole of Europe had been after him for quite a long time. However, the €38 million the Blues planted didn’t pay off, the Senegalese leaving for Arabia for €23 million after just one year.

Riyad Mahrez – Al Ahli

Still an unofficial transfer, but one that seems to be imminent. The 32-year-old Algerian winger won the Champions League with Manchester City and can go quietly finish his career and earn his retirement.

Alex Telles – Al-Nassr

Also an unofficial transfer, but one that should be announced very soon. Alex Telles came to Manchester United from Porto as a big star and a key player, but he didn’t make a mark at Old Trafford and didn’t do well on loan at Sevilla either. So the 30-year-old Brazilian will head to Al-Nassr to join Ronaldo.

Source: Transfermarkt