Man Utd eye superstar & big Ajax talks

The Saudi Pro League – also known as the Roshn Saudi League (RSL) for sponsorship reasons – dominated the 2023 summer transfer window with many high-profile players leaving Europe in favour of a move to the rapidly rising division.

Cristiano Ronaldo started the trend, of course, taking an enormous contract at the start of the year to play for Al-Nassr.

And, now, with the January transfer window here, Football FanCast takes you through the latest news and transfer rumours…

Why players moved to the Saudi Pro League

Essentially, it came down to investment from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, or PIF. You’ll have heard a lot about it when PIF purchased Newcastle United, of course.

The same fund purchased majority stakes in Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad. The former two are the biggest clubs in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The latter two are the biggest in Jeddah, the country’s second-largest city. All four now have incredible wealth behind them and are looking to make waves.

Saudi Pro League winter transfer window dates

The Saudi Pro League’s winter transfer window opened on 1st January 2024, which near enough aligns with the rest of Europe’s top leagues.

The window will remain open until 30th January, whilst the other leading divisions in Europe will slam their doors shut on the 31st, and in some cases, 1st February.

Players who joined the Saudi Pro League

A steady stream of players have followed in Ronaldo’s footsteps by ditching European football for a go at the Saudi Pro League and that trend is expected to continue this month.

The RSL outlaid an eye-watering £701.3m on transfer fees over the summer, which doesn’t account for the colossal wages on top of that.

So who decided to make the move? Here’s a rundown of the 20 most expensive signings:

Latest Saudi Pro League transfer rumours

With the winter transfer window having been open now for just over a week, things have been rather quiet in comparison to the summer, which will please Michael Emenalo, the league’s director of football, as he is keen to avoid a busy January.

“I’m hoping it (January) is not very busy, because I think the job that was done has been quite interesting and aggressive, and most of the clubs, I believe, have what they need.

“Hopefully the attention will now turn to work within the training facilities to improve these players and to allow the time to adapt and perform,” Emenalo said.

Nevertheless, there are a few rumours that have been circling around already this winter…

Karim Benzema

Al-Ittihad to Manchester United

According to Javier Parra Pena, (h/t Football.London) Manchester United have shown interest in bringing Karim Benzema to Europe. He is currently unhappy at the Saudi League and is now considering moving back to Europe.

It remains to be seen as to whether Manchester United will push ahead with a potential move, considering the fact that Rasmus Hojlund appears to be finding his feet in the Premier League now.

Although, Anthony Martial’s future is currently up in the air, with a few links to Saudi Arabia floating around, so perhaps there could be room for another attacker at Old Trafford.

Jordan Henderson

Al-Ettifaq to Ajax

It has been confirmed that Ajax are in talks over a move for Jordan Henderson this month.

Indeed, Ajax coach John van ‘t Schip has confirmed the club’s interest in signing former Liverpool.

He stated: “There is serious talk going on with Henderson. He still has some things to arrange in Saudi Arabia. It could be a nice match. It’s no secret that we could really use that type of player. Other guys can benefit from that.”

However, ESPN claim that a source has told them that the Saudi Arabian club may not be keen to let the veteran midfielder leave only months after signing him.

Ryan Kent

Fenerbahce to Al-Ettifaq

According to Takvim, Ryan Kent is close to joining Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq.

The former Ibrox winger has been pushed out of the first-team picture with Fenerbahce after less than one full season with the Turkish giants believed to be willing to sanction a January transfer exit.

Gerrard and Kent had a good relationship at Rangers, and the winger played some of his best football during that period, so it’s a link-up that makes sense and will actually benefit Kent more, with more money probably on offer.