Saudi wealth fund transfers football stars like Cristiano Ronaldo to controlled clubs

Posted : 07 July 2023

In a significant move by the Saudi wealth fund, several high-profile football stars have made the transition to clubs controlled by the fund, including Cristiano Ronaldo. The fund, with an estimated net worth of $620 billion, oversees Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ahly. These clubs have attracted many players from top leagues, thanks to substantial tax-free offers. Let's explore some of the interesting names that have already made the move.

French forward Karim Benzema, the last Ballon d'Or winner and a legendary player for Real Madrid, joined Saudi champions Al-Ittihad for a two-year contract worth €400 million. Despite being 35 years old, Benzema's impressive performance last season, scoring 30 goals in 42 appearances, demonstrates his continued quality at the highest level.

Midfielder N'Golo Kanté, who had limited appearances for Chelsea due to injuries last season, departed after seven years and joined Al-Ittihad. The 29-year-old signed a four-year contract worth €32 million per season. Additionally, Kanté purchased the Belgian third division team Royal Esselsior Virton.

Ruben Neves, a Portuguese midfielder, made headlines as the youngest captain in a Champions League match at the age of 18. After a successful stint with Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League, the 26-year-old surprised many by signing with Al-Hilal for three years, earning €18 million per season. Al-Hilal broke the league's transfer record by paying €55 million for Neves.

Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly, considered one of the world's best in his position during his time at Napoli, struggled to adjust at Chelsea. He was subsequently sold to Al-Hilal for €17 million, balancing Chelsea's expenditures. With a three-year contract and an annual salary of €35 million, Koulibaly became the highest-paid defender to move to Saudi Arabia.

Joining Koulibaly at Al-Hilal is goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, who also departed from Chelsea. The 29-year-old, who won the Champions League and was named UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year in 2021, will earn €15 million per season during his three-year contract. Mendy will now face his former teammate, Angelo Kante, in the highly anticipated Jeddah derby.

These notable transfers highlight the ambitious recruitment strategies of the Saudi wealth fund, aiming to bring star power and elevate the quality of football in the Saudi Arabian league.

Saudi wealth fund transfers football stars like Cristiano Ronaldo to controlled clubs

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