Top 10 highest-spending clubs so far this summer as Saudi clubs dominate
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The Saudi Pro League is seeing an inflow of top-tier talent from around the world with eye-popping salaries and Neymar Junior is the latest to join the trend.
The Brazilian superstar completed his switch from Paris Saint-Germain to Al-Hilal on a two-year deal after six turbulent years with reigning Ligue 1 champions.
After completing a €90 million transfer from PSG, GOAL reports the Brazilian star will earn a whopping €160mil over two seasons in Saudi Arabia.
Neymar has officially been announced as an Al-Hilal player and in addition to his wages, he will reportedly receive a number of perks and incentives.
Top 10 highest-spending clubs so far this summer as Saudi clubs dominate
FootballSports Brief lists the updated top ten earning footballers in the Saudi Pro League after Neymar joined the elite list of rich footballers plying their trade in the Middle East.
10. Roberto Firmino: Al-Ahli - £326,000
9. Marcelo Brozovic: Al-Nassr - £403,000
8. Kalidou Koulibaly: Al-Hilal - £577,000
7. Sadio Mane: Al-Nassr - £634,000
6. Jordan Henderson: Al-Ettifaq - £700,000
5. Riyad Mahrez: Al-Ahli - £846,000
4. N’Golo Kante: Al-Ittihad - £1.6 million
3. Neymar: Al-Hilal - £2.6 million
2. Karim Benzema: Al-Ittihad - £3.3 million
1. Cristiano Ronaldo: Al-Nassr - £3.3 million
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo is the initial catalyst for this talent migration from the elite leagues of Europe to the lesser-known Saudi Pro League, Give Me Sport reports.
The veteran's move to Al-Nassr in December 2022 sparked a wave of high-profile transfers to the Saudi league, including Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Neymar.
Karim Benzema misses crucial penalty in Saudi El Clasico against Al Hilal, Video
FootballDue to the quality of the talent in the Saudi Pro League, the body is now in talks with UEFA to have one of its teams play in the Champions League sometime in the future.
Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Neymar completing his switch from PSG to Al-Hilal on a two-year deal, with the club paying a reported fee of €90mil for the Brazilian.
The former Barcelona star has now credited Ronaldo for leading the way. The Portuguese legend was the first big football star to move to Saudi Arabia last December.
Since Ronald joined Al-Nassr, top stars from European clubs have flocked to the Middle Eastern country and Neymar is the latest name to join a Saudi Pro League club.