Comparing Saudi Pro League Spending to Europe’s Top 5 Leagues This Summer

• The Saudi Pro League has made headlines this year by signing some of football's biggest stars
• Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr paved the way for other stars to join the league
• Sports Brief compares the Saudi Pro League spending this summer to Europe's top 5 leagues

The Saudi Pro League has taken football by storm this year. After acquiring the services of Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football's biggest stars, clubs in the country have continued to sign top players from European clubs.

With an influx of high-profile players including Karim Benzema, Riyad Mahrez, and N'Golo Kante, the league's rise seems to be accelerating, and numbers suggest they have spent even more than some top European leagues.

In June, the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF) took over the four biggest clubs, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, and Al-Hilal - the top three in last season's top flight - and second-tier champions Al-Ahli. According to the Guardian, Saudi Arabia has now spent at least $6.3 billion in sports deals since early 2021,

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Al-Hilal recently submitted a world-record €300 million bid for French captain and Paris Saint-Germain superstar, Kylian Mbappé, per Fabrizio Romano. Their financial muscle allows them to attract not only the big names but also younger players in their prime.

By doing so, they are competing with Europe's top five leagues: the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and French Ligue 1, for the signatures of the best players. So, how much have they spent this summer so far compared to these leagues?

Summer transfer spending

Saudi Pro League - €300 million

According to Transfermarkt, the Saudi Pro League has spent €300 million so far in transfers.

Some of their high-profile signings actually joined those clubs on free transfers (Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino, N’Golo Kante). Others like Alex Telles and Jordan Henderson have joined for relatively low transfer fees. Riyad Mahrez (€35 million) recently signed for Al-Ahli after winning the treble with Manchester City.

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Al-Hilal have paid the big bucks so far this summer. They have signed Malcolm (€60m), Rúben Neves (€55m), Sergej Milinković-Savić (€40m), and Kalidou Koulibaly (€23m). They have been able to compete with some top clubs in Europe because they've offered exorbitant wages.

They will sign more players in the coming weeks as the summer transfer window comes to a close.

Premier League - €1.34 billion

The Premier League spending is unmatched this summer. They have spent more than double compared to their closest rivals, Serie A. They have spent €1.34 billion in transfers so far, and that number could get higher in the coming weeks.

Declan Rice is the most expensive player so far in the Premier League this summer. Arsenal signed Rice for €116 million from West Ham. The top 6 clubs are spending exorbitant amounts, while other teams are also signing top players for big money.

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Serie A - €520 million

The Serie A has fallen behind in recent years, but only the Premier League has spent more than them.

The most expensive signings are €30 million or less this summer in the Serie A. AC Milan have been the most active club, spending €89 million on the likes of Samuel Chukwueze, Christian Pulisic, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Ligue 1 – €456 million

The Kylian Mbappe transfer saga has dominated Ligue 1 this summer. He refused to sign a new contract, and Al-Hilal made a €300 million bid for the French captain. PSG have paid the big bucks so far this summer, signing Manuel Ugarte for €60 million from Sporting Lisbon.

Jeremie Boga and Enzo Le Fee have also made big money moves.

La Liga – €249 million

Real Madrid and Barcelona are two of the biggest clubs in world football. However, their spending power has reduced drastically, especially Barcelona's. The Blaugrana have endured serious financial woes in the last few years, restraining their activity in the transfer market.

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Meanwhile, Real Madrid signed Jude Bellingham, one of the most exciting footballers in the world, for €103 million earlier in the window. Other than that, things have been quiet in the transfer market, but it could change if Mbappe joins Madrid.

Bundesliga – €448million

The biggest transfers in the Bundesliga this summer have been departures. The include Jude Bellingham, Dominik Szoboszlai (€70m), Moussa Diaby (€55m), and Lucas Hernández (€45m).

However, Bayern Munich paid Napoli €50 million for defender Min-Jae Kim. Loïs Openda also joined RB Leipzig for €45 million.

2023 summer transfer summary

Comparing SPL and MLS

Sports Brief earlier compared the Saudi Pro League and America's MLS after Lionel Messi moved to Inter Miami.

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The SPL is not restrained by a salary cap or Financial Fair Play rules, meaning they can spend however much they want. The MLS have a salary cap that prevents the club from paying exorbitant salaries like the SPL.

The report also looked at the quality of players, competition, advertising, branding, lifestyle, and laws.