Neymar, Otavio, and Saudi Pro League's 5 Most Expensive Transfers

• Saudi Pro League clubs are on a mission to sign Europe’s most prominent stars
• Saudi League club Al-Hilal set a new record for the most expensive signing in the Asian market
• Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr recently equalled the Saudi League's second-most-expensive signing

The Saudi League, backed by the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF), is now consistently attracting Europe’s most prominent stars to the Middle East.

It all started with the acquisition of five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo in December 2022, and has since spiralled into a series of transfers, with over 30 elite European football stars completing transfers to the Saudi Pro League and many still in talks regarding moves.

Following Neymar Jr.’s transfer to Al-Hilal, coupled with Aleksander Mitrovic and Otavio Monteiro on the verge of finalizing their record moves to the country, Sports Brief examines the top five most expensive transfers in the history of the Saudi Pro League.

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Neymar, PSG to Al-Hilal

₤90 million

Neymar completed his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal for ₤90 million following reports that the forward was deemed surplus to requirements at the French capital.

The two-year deal penned by the Brazilian, which will see him earn fees in excess of ₤400 million, with perks included, eclipsed the record transfer fee the ‘Saudi Blues’ paid for teammate and fellow countryman Malcom.

Otavio Monteiro, Porto to Al-Nassr

₤60 milllion

Al-Nassr’s record ₤60 million package for the 28-year-old Portuguese League Player of the Season, according to reports from Infogol, exceeds the ₤30 million fee the club paid to secure the services of Senegalese star Sadio Mane.

The transfer of the attacker became FC Porto’s record sale, ₤10m more than Eder Militao to Real Madrid in the 2019/20 season.

Malcom, Zenit to Al-Hilal

₤60 million

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Al-Hilal paid a whopping ₤60 million to trigger a transfer for Malcom, which surprised many. The 26-year-old forward has since taken the Saudi league by storm, scoring five goals in as many appearances for Jorge Jesus’ side.

The Brazilian signed a four-year contract, and will look to put his lack of consistency behind him and keep up his impressive form.

Ruben Neves, Wolves to Al-Hilal

₤55 million

In another transfer that rocked the European market, Barcelona’s long-term target, Ruben Neves, switched from Premier League strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers to Saudi giants Al-Hilal.

The versatile midfielder agreed to a three-year deal, according to reports from FoxSports, and will earn wages in excess of ₤20 million yearly.

Aleksander Mitrovic, Fulham to Al-Hilal

₤50 million

The 28-year-old Serbian striker completed his record move to Saudi club Al-Hilal.

Mitrovic, known for his goal-scoring ability, will provide serious competition for the club’s leading striker Malcom. Jorge Jesus is reported to have gotten his dream front line and is set to battle on all fronts to see the Saudi champions retain their crown and compete for the Asian Champions League title.

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Ronaldo praises for Saudi transfers

In a previous report, Sports Brief stated that Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo has been credited for pioneering the player influx into the Saudi Pro League.

Ronaldo’s surprising choice to join Al-Nassr marked a turning point for the Saudi top flight, as his decision led numerous other prominent players to follow the path set by the Portuguese maestro.