In recent years, Saudi Arabia has been making significant strides to establish itself as a dominant force in world football.

Spearheading this ambitious movement is the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, which has set its sights on transforming the Saudi Professional League (SPL) into a global powerhouse.

The signing of Cristiano Ronaldo by Al Nassr in a record-breaking deal has paved the way for a string of high-profile transfers, with the league targeting major stars like Mohamed Salah, Neymar, Kevin De Bruyne, and Luka Modric for the 2024 season.

In this article, we delve into Saudi Arabia’s football revolution and explore the potential impact of these blockbuster signings.

The Arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo

The SPL’s ambitions were first made apparent when Al Nassr secured the services of Cristiano Ronaldo in a jaw-dropping deal worth a staggering 173 million pounds sterling per year.

This move instantly propelled the league into the international spotlight and signaled the beginning of a new era for Saudi Arabian football.

Ronaldo’s arrival not only added immense star power to the league but also set the stage for other world-class players to follow suit.

A Star-Studded Transfer Window

Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr, a host of top-tier players from major clubs around the world have expressed their interest in joining the SPL.

The likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Neves, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Marcelo Brozovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Allan Saint-Maximin, Alex Telles, and Riyad Mahrez have all been included in the league’s transfer plans.

The financial muscle of clubs like Al Ittihad, Al Nassr, Al Ahli, and Al Hilal has allowed them to have an unrestricted transfer budget, which is attracting some of the biggest names in football.

SPL’s Vision: Crowding the League with Football Stars

According to renowned journalist Rudy Galetti, the SPL is aiming to become a league “crowded with football stars” in the near future.

The league’s targets are ambitious, and they have set their sights on signing four marquee players – Mo Salah, Neymar, Kevin De Bruyne, and Luka Modric.

These players are considered among the best in the world and would undoubtedly elevate the standard of football in the SPL to new heights.

The Pursuit of Mohamed Salah

One of the players at the top of the SPL’s wish list is Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.

A Saudi Arabian football official named Hafez Al-Medlej has called on the league to work on bringing Salah into their ranks. Despite recently signing a contract extension with Liverpool, Salah’s popularity in both the Arab world and Europe makes him an appealing target for the SPL.

Al-Medlej expressed hope that even if the move doesn’t happen immediately, they may secure Salah’s services in the future.

The Enigma of Luka Modric

Luka Modric, the talented midfielder from Real Madrid, was reportedly offered one of the “biggest ever proposals in football” to join the SPL.

However, the 37-year-old chose to continue his career with Real Madrid, turning down the lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia.

Modric’s decision highlights the challenge the SPL faces in convincing players from top European clubs to make the move to Saudi Arabia, even with substantial financial incentives.

The Pursuit of Neymar and Kevin De Bruyne

Al Hilal, the Saudi Arabian club that made a record-breaking bid for Kylian Mbappe, is reportedly interested in signing Neymar.

However, there has been no indication of any links to Kevin De Bruyne so far. The Frenchman was presented with a staggering wage offer, but he chose to reject it, demonstrating that securing top players for the SPL will not be without obstacles.

Saudi Arabia’s pursuit of becoming a footballing powerhouse is unfolding with astonishing speed. The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to make the SPL a magnet for global football stars.

The signing of Cristiano Ronaldo acted as a catalyst, leading to a plethora of high-profile transfers. The SPL’s ambitious vision of crowding the league with football stars, including the likes of Salah, Neymar, De Bruyne, and Modric, shows their determination to rise to prominence in the world of football.

While challenges remain, the SPL’s trajectory points to an exciting future for football in Saudi Arabia.