The Premier League is still the hottest in the transfer market this summer, with transfer spending close to 1 billion euros (as of July 20). The once-hot Saudi league has had a very cold start to the summer: the combined spending of 18 teams on reinforcements is only 60 million euros.
The "money ability" of Saudi football has attracted many superstars to join. Starting with Cristiano Ronaldo, Mane, Benzema, Firmino, Neymar, Mitrovic, Ruben Neves ...... In the summer of 2023, Saudi Arabia will invest 850 million euros in reinforcements, second only to the Premier League.
However, Saudi football in the 2024 summer window is somewhat quiet.
Saudi Arabia's traditional 4 giants - Riyadh Crescent did not spend a penny, but also earned 5 million euros; Jeddah United brought in Oyar for 12 million, spending less than 20 million in total; Riyadh Victory brings in goalkeeper Bento, 18 million; Jeddah National didn't spend money on 0 reinforcements, and they also rented out Saint-Maximin to earn a small profit of 8 million.
There may only be two new signings who can really be regarded as "big names": former Real Madrid captain Nacho and former Arsenal star Aubameyang, both of whom joined Saudi Arabia's promoted Matikasia. Compared with top stars such as Benzema and Neymar, Nacho and Aubameyang's shock and sensational effect are still much worse.
As of July 20, the Premier League has spent 1 billion euros in the transfer market, 500 million in Serie A, 400 million in the Bundesliga, 300 million in Ligue 1, and 60 million in Saudi Arabia, which is an order of magnitude gap. After a year of madness, the "Saudi Gold Rush" boom calmed down.
There is more money to be made in Saudi Arabia, but life is hard to adjust. Jordan Henderson was the first to flee Saudi Arabia, while Rakitic was the latest representative, leaving after six months at Riyadh's youth level. France superstar N'Golo Kante has also been reported to have left Saudi Arabia to return to the Premier League.
TA pointed out that there are a number of reasons for Saudi Arabia's quiet summer window - investing more and more rationally, pursuing "reasonable valuations", and serving the team's tactical play, rather than hoarding stars. In addition, Saudi Arabia wants to spend more money on infrastructure improvements, rather than spending crazy transfer fees and salaries.
Of course, the summer window of the Saudi league has only been open for 4 days, and it is far from the climax. Will Saudi football launch a frenzied attack at the last minute? Salah, B Fei, De Bruyne, and Casemiro are all rumored to have scandals with Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi Arabia will not offer 150 million euros to buy Salah, as it did last summer. It is becoming increasingly difficult for supergiants to land in Saudi Arabia.