Saudi Pro League: Everything you need to know about the transfer window

The summer transfer window for the 2023-24 football season is coming to an end as clubs around the world have been pulling out all the stops to recruit the best players to their squads.

The summer of 2023 has been the highest-spending transfer window ever, with over $8.2 billion spent.

The Saudi Pro League has established itself as a serious authority, becoming the second-highest-spending league after only the Premier League, with more than $921 million spent on acquiring new footballers.

From Neymar to Karim Benzema, the Kingdom has made it its mission to turn its league into one of the best in the world.

Ittihad’s French forward #09 Karim Benzema celebrates with team mates on August 14, 2023.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Saudi Pro League’s transfer window:

When does the transfer window close for Saudi Arabia clubs?

While the deadline for European leagues, such as the Premier League, La Liga, and Ligue 1, is September 1, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation says the window for the registration of players will close on September 7.

However, since FIFA has September 20 listed as the deadline, the clubs can continue to lure in players after the transfer window ends in their country.

What big names have joined Saudi clubs this summer?

Following in the footsteps of iconic football player Cristiano Ronaldo, several international footballers have decided to move to Saudi Arabia.

Since the Portuguese superstar joined Al Nassr, there hasn’t been a high-profile player in Europe who hasn’t been linked with a Saudi team.

The big names include:

Karim Benzema to Al Ittihad

Yassine Bounou to Al Hilal

Aleksandar Mitrovic to Al Hilal

N’Golo Kante to Al Ittihad

Otávio Monteiro to Al Nassr

Aymeric Laporte to Al Nassr

Gabri Veiga to Al Ahli

Kalidou Koulibaly to Al Hilal

Edouard Mendy to Al Ahli

Marcelo Brozovic to Al Nassr

Steven Gerrard to Al Ettifaq

Roberto Mancini to Saudi National Team

Who is rumored to join?

The most common rumor being tossed around among football fanatics worldwide is the reported $162 million bid for Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring a goal.

Several reports have said that the Saudi Pro League has made Salah their next target despite the English club’s insistence that he is not for sale.

French superstar player Kylian Mbappe received a record $332 million bid to join Al Hilal, according to media reports, but the Paris Saint Germain footballer has not met with representatives to discuss a potential move.

France’s Kylian Mbappe during training.

Another rumored big name is prolific goalscorer Victor Osimhen, who has reportedly been offered a $152 million contract to join Al Hilal.