The major talking point of the summer transfer window so far has been the meteoric rise of the Saudi Pro League as one of the game’s hottest destinations looking to attract some of the biggest stars on the continent.
Bankrolled by the $620 billion Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Saudis are taking the transfer market by storm at present with a host of global icons making the move across to the Middle East.
To date, a total of NINE top European stars have signed lucrative deals and it seems inevitable that more will follow suit, while as many as seven others are currently mulling over whether to accept the whopping wages on offer in an attempt to convince players to make the switch.
The likes of Lionel Messi, Romelu Lukaku, Luka Modric and Son Heung-Min have already turned down deals, but PSG superstar Neymar, Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech, Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino, Manchester City midfelder Bernardo Silva and Crystal Palace wideman Wilfried Zaha have yet to make a decision on their future.
Clubs in Europe are struggling to keep hold of their prize assets as the Saudi Arabian government attempts to turn the league into a new footballing powerhouse.
The latest high-profile names in a growing list of new arrivals are ex-Celtic winger Jota and former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard, but who else has ventured to Asia and will be plying their trade in the Saudi Pro League? GlasgowWorld takes a look...
1. The growing list of football icons joining lucrative Saudi Pro League - including ex-Celtic winger and former Rangers manager
2. Cristiano Ronaldo - Manchester United to Al Nassr (£62m)
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner became the first high profile name to head to Saudi Arabia in December 2022 as a free agent after leaving Old Trafford. Being paid an eye-watering £172m per year - equivalent of £3.3m per week.
3. Karim Benzema - Real Madrid to Al Ittihad (Free transfer)
Current Ballon d’Or holder got the ball rolling this summer, completing a free transfer from the 14-time European champions to two-time Asian champions. The 35-year-old frontman signed a two-year contract worth an estimated €400m.
4. Steven Gerrard - Al Effifaq
Former Rangers boss and Liveprool hero has taken charge of Al Ettifaq after holding a positive second round of talks with the club over a long-awaited return to management. He rejected an initial offer from the Dammam-based outfit but has since reached an agreement to move to the Middle East. (Image: Al-Ettifaq/Twitter)