The Saudi Pro League has become the center of attention this summer as more than 15 top players have made the surprising decision to leave the top European leagues and move to the Middle East.
It all started with Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr in January, which triggered a chain reaction, attracting other big-name players like the Ballon d’Or holder, Karim Benzema, among others.
Pep Guardiola, the head coach of Manchester City, has issued a warning about the attractive deals offered to players in the oil-rich country, making it challenging for other clubs to compete.
Now, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is the latest player linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, with reports indicating that Al-Hilal has offered him a staggering salary of €1 million per week.
Several top African players have already made the switch to the Saudi Pro League:
Sadio Mane
The quality forward moved from Bayern Munich to explore new opportunities in the Middle East.
Kalidou Koulibaly
The towering defender left Chelsea after just one season to join Al-Hilal, becoming Mane’s teammate in the process.
Riyad Mahrez
Regarded as one of Africa’s best players in recent years, Mahrez accepted Al-Ahli’s offer after his successful stint with Manchester City.
Edouard Mendy
The talented goalkeeper helped Chelsea win the Champions League and the Africa Cup of Nations for Senegal before joining Al-Ahli.
Seko Fofana
The 28-year-old Ivorian surprised many by joining Al-Nassr until 2026 after an impressive season with Lens in Ligue 1.
With the transfer window still open, there could be more African players making their way to the Saudi top flight.
Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech’s move might also be revived, as the club looks to offload him. The allure of the Saudi Pro League seems to be attracting top talents from across the globe.
Comparing Mane’s wages to Ronaldo’s
Sports Brief also reported on Mane set to undergo his medicals to finalise a move to Saudi Arabia, where he would automatically become one of the top earners.
Mane will earn a whopping £650,000 a week at Al-Nassr, culminating in an annual salary of £34 milliion per year when he joins the Saudi Pro League outfit.
However, the Senegalese forward will earn way less than his new teammate, Ronaldo, who rakes in a massive £177mil each year from his basic club salary.