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.
5. Jota - Celtic to Al Ittihad (£25m)
24yo Portuguese winger has left Celtic after two seasons to join Benzema and Kante as the Jeddah club’s third major signing this summer. Has agreed a three-year contract with the reigning champions. Scored 28 goals and provided 26 assists during his time in Scotland. (Image: Al-Ittihad/Twitter) | Image: Al-Ittihad Twitter
6. Edouard Mendy - Chelsea to Al Ahli (£16m)
31yo Senegalese goalkeeper has quit West London in favour of a move to Jeddah on a three-year deal. A Champions League winner with Chelsea, he will now line up against former Blues teammate Kante in the Jeddah derby (Image: Fabrizio Romano - Twitter) | Fabrizio Romano - Twitter
7. Ruben Neves - Wolves to Al Hilal (€55m)
Wolves received a club-record fee for the transfer of their captain. The Portuguese midfielder has joined Asia’ most successful club side on a three-year deal. (Image: Al-Hilal Saudi Club via Twitter) | Al-Hilal Saudi Club via Twitter
8. N’Golo Kante - Chelsea to Al Ittihad (Free transfer)
A lengthy transfer saga came to an end with the French international midfielder leaving Chelsea after seven years to join the Jeddah-based outfit as a free agent. A 2018 World Cup winner, Kante is expected to earn €86m per year throughout his four-year contract. (Image: Al Ittihad Twitter) | Al Ittihad Twitter