Neymar and Otavio Lead the List of Saudi Pro League's Most Expensive Transfers

Saudi Pro League teams are actively pursuing some of Europe's most prominent stars. Al-Hilal, a Saudi League club, has made history by setting a new benchmark for the highest-priced signing in the Asian market. Al-Nassr, where Ronaldo now plays, has also achieved a significant transfer milestone that matches the second most expensive signing in the Saudi League's history.

Thanks to the backing of the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Saudi League is consistently attracting top-tier European stars to the Middle East. This trend started with the momentous signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, in December 2022. Since then, it has triggered a series of transfers, with more than 30 elite European football players completing their moves to the Saudi Pro League, and negotiations for additional transfers are still underway.

Neymar Jr. recently completed his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Al-Hilal for a staggering ₤90 million. Reports indicated that Neymar was deemed surplus to requirements in the French capital, leading to this significant move. The Brazilian forward has signed a two-year deal that is valued at over ₤400 million, inclusive of various perks. This acquisition surpasses the record transfer fee that Al-Hilal paid for his teammate and fellow countryman, Malcom.

Portuguese League Player of the Season, Otavio Monteiro, has moved from Porto to Al-Nassr in a deal valued at ₤60 million. This transfer amount, as reported by Infogol, exceeds the ₤30 million fee that Al-Nassr previously paid for Senegalese star Sadio Mane. Otavio's move represents a record for Al-Nassr and even exceeds the ₤10 million difference from FC Porto's previous record sale, Eder Militao, to Real Madrid during the 2019/20 season.

Al-Hilal made a notable ₤60 million investment to secure the transfer of Malcom from Zenit. The 26-year-old forward has made a significant impact in the Saudi league, scoring five goals in just as many appearances for Jorge Jesus’ team. The Brazilian has signed a four-year contract and aims to maintain his impressive form, leaving behind any inconsistency that may have marked his earlier performances.

Ruben Neves, a long-term target for Barcelona, made a surprising move from Premier League team Wolverhampton Wanderers to Saudi giants Al-Hilal in a ₤55 million deal. This versatile midfielder has reportedly agreed to a three-year contract, with annual wages exceeding ₤20 million according to FoxSports.

Serbian striker Aleksander Mitrovic, known for his goal-scoring prowess, completed a record-breaking ₤50 million transfer to Saudi club Al-Hilal. This move brings serious competition for Al-Hilal's leading striker, Malcom. Jorge Jesus, the team's coach, has realized his dream front line and is prepared to lead his team on multiple fronts, aiming to retain their Saudi championship title and contend for the Asian Champions League title.