Top 5 Most Valuable Players in Saudi League As Ronaldo Misses Out

• Cristiano Ronaldo led the influx to Saudi Arabia when he joined Al-Nassr in January
• More top European stars have joined him including Karim Benzema and N'golo Kante
• Ruben Neves is the Saudi record signing after joining Al-Hilal from Wolves for €55m

Cristiano Ronaldo led a movement of top European stars to Saudi Arabia by joining Al-Nassr in January, after his Manchester United contract was terminated by mutual consent.

As claimed by the veteran, this influenced other top European stars to head to the Saudi Pro League - even though the offers are often too juicy to turn down regardless of who is there or who is not.

Sports Brief looks at the top five most valuable players in the league, as analysed by Transfermarkt, with Ronaldo settling for a distant 15th place.

1. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

The former SS Lazio midfielder is the highest-ranked player in the league by transfer market value - currently €50 million. At 28, his move to the Middle East came unexpectedly, as he had been on the radar of top European clubs for years.

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2. Fabinho

The Brazilian defensive midfielder departed Liverpool after five successful years. According to The Athletic, the Reds received €46.4mil for the 29-year-old, but his market value stands at €42mil, the second-highest in the league.

3. Ruben Neves

According to Football Transfers, the Portuguese midfielder is the most expensive signing in the league after Al-Hilal paid €55mil to Premier League club, Wolverhampton. His move also came unexpectedly and the youngest-ever captain in Champions League history is currently valued at €40mil.

4. Allan Saint-Maximin

The skilful winger will not be a part of the new-look Newcastle United side under Saudi PIF ownership but is still at a club owned by the same entity, which raised eyebrows with Premier League clubs. He is valued at €32mil.

4. Seko Fofana

The Ivorian left France to join Ronaldo's Al-Nassr, where he will partner former Inter Milan midfielder, Marcelo Brozovic. The Riyadh-based club paid €19mil for the 29-year-old, but his market value is €32mil.

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African stars' wages compared

Sports Brief also analysed how Sadio Mane's wages in Saudi Arabia compare to four other African stars who moved to the league this summer, including former Manchester City star, Riyad Mahrez.

The former Bayern Munich star earns a mouthwatering £650,00 per week with his new club, Al-Nassr, but he is not the highest-paid African player as he is topped by Mahrez's £750,00 at Al-Ahli.