Robert Lewandowski and Kevin De Bruyne Rejected Approaches From Saudi Pro League

• The Saudi Pro League have shaken the transfer market this year
• They have lured some elite footballers from European clubs, but some rejected their approaches
• Robert Lewandowski and Kevin De Bruyne are some of the players that opted to remain in Europe

The Saudi Pro League have splashed the big bucks this summer, signing elite talent from European clubs, including Sadio Mane, Neymar, and Karim Benzema.

However, some players from top European clubs, like Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski, rejected approaches from Saudi Pro League clubs in the summer transfer window.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Saudi Pro League sides made several attempts to sign Lewandowski and Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne in the summer. However, the veterans rejected those approaches.

Real Madrid defender, David Alaba also opted to stay in Spain. The SPL targeted the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Mohamed Salah, but their attempts were unsuccessful.

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The top four clubs in the Middle Eastern country have made multiple high-profile signings in the summer as they look to make their league a preferred destination for players, especially from Europe.

SPL's rapid growth

Cristiano Ronaldo was the first high-profile footballer to move to the league, and since then, several others have followed suit. Monstrous wages are believed to be a major motivating factor for the players.

England, however, spent the most money on transfer fees this summer. Clubs in the country spent a whopping £1.59 billion on transfers in the 2023 summer transfer window alone.

The SPL, on the other hand, spent a staggering £1.59 million. They spent more than the remaining top five European leagues, namely: France (£688.8m), Germany (£610.8mm), Italy (£569.6m), and Spain (£324.9m), per Sky Sports.

Several players, like Toni Kroos and Rodri, have spoken against players moving to Saudi Arabia.

Kroos blasts Veiga

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Sports Brief earlier reported on Kroos calling Veiga's move to Al-Ahli "embarrassing".

Veiga had a breakout 2022/23 season, which attracted some top clubs in Europe, like Napoli and some in England. However, Al-Ahli won the race for his signature.

The 21-year-old is set to become the latest star from a European club to join Al-Ahli. This summer alone, they have signed Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, Roger Ibanez, Allan Saint-Maximin, Franck Kessie, and Merih Derimal.