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August 31, 2024
Last summer, the Saudi Pro League shocked the world by signing Champions League-winning superstars like Neymar, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, and Riyad Mahrez.
A year later, the league continues its rapid expansion, attracting more top talent with high-profile signings such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Joao Cancelo, and Moussa Diaby during the summer 2024 transfer window.
However, what about the well-known names that depart with minimal fanfare for the Saudi Pro League? You may have missed these seven additions from this summer’s transfer window, which we have highlighted.
Just a year ago, the Saudi Pro League made headlines by signing some of the Premier League’s biggest names, albeit players like Jordan Henderson and N’Golo Kante, who were considered past their prime. This year, the trend is slightly different. Slovenian goalkeeper Marek Rodak, who has made only two Premier League appearances for Fulham since their promotion, is one of the few players making the move to Saudi Arabia. He has joined Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq.
Fans were disappointed when Houssem Aouar didn’t sign for Arsenal a few years ago, despite being a regular in transfer rumors. Looking back at Mikel Arteta’s progress with Arsenal and Aouar’s subsequent career trajectory, it’s evident that only some transfer targets are crucial. After a forgettable stint at Roma under Daniele De Rossi, where he struggled for game time, Aouar has signed with Al-Ittihad, joining stars like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Fabinho.
Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong’s career has been relatively conventional, moving from Udinese to Watford and frequently bouncing between the Premier League and Championship. However, he has recently enjoyed notable successes, including being named Player of the Tournament at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations for his role in Nigeria’s run to the final and winning the Greek Super Lig with PAOK. Troost-Ekong has signed with Al-Kholood and was recently promoted from the Saudi second tier.
A few years ago, there was a significant buzz around Jean Michael Seri as a potential future star for Barcelona’s midfield, with Twitter tactics singing his praises. Although Barcelona was reportedly interested in the Ivorian when he was a rising talent at Nice, they never secured his signature. Instead, Seri’s career has seen him move from Fulham to loan stints at Galatasaray and Bordeaux and two years in the Championship with Hull City. He has joined newly-promoted Al-Orobah on a free transfer, where he will link up with Cristian Tello, and Sergio Ramos is rumored to be joining soon.
Burnley’s strong start to their Championship campaign included impressive wins over Luton Town (4-1) and Cardiff City (5-0). However, as the reality of life in the second tier set in, the Clarets experienced a significant player departure in the final weeks of the transfer window. Among those departing is Icelandic international Johann Berg Gudmundsson, who has signed with Al-Orobah for a €1 million fee. Gudmundsson will join Jean Michael Seri, Cristian Tello, and others at the club, reflecting their ambitious squad-building efforts on a budget.
The Saudi Pro League has expanded its recruitment beyond European shores, targeting emerging talent from within the region. This summer, Al-Ahli secured promising Brazilian youngster Alexsander from Fluminense. At the same time, Bento, a standout goalkeeper, joined Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr for €18 million from Club Athletico Paranaense.
However, the most notable South American signing this season is 22-year-old midfielder Ezequiel Fernandez. Previously with Boca Juniors, Fernandez had been highly regarded as a future star for Argentina and was linked with several top European clubs. His move to Al-Qadsiah marks a significant addition for the Saudi side, which is making waves this season. Alongside Fernandez, Al-Qadsiah has also bolstered its squad with high-profile players such as Nacho and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, among several other promising names.
The 35-year-old Serie A stalwart, renowned for his extensive stints with Atalanta, AC Milan, and Fiorentina, has ventured beyond Italian football for the first time. A seasoned midfielder with over a hundred appearances in Italy’s top flight and 18 caps for the Italian national team, Bonaventura has made a significant move to Al-Shabab.
Joining the Saudi Pro League side marks a classic final chapter in his career. At Al-Shabab, he will be guided by Portuguese manager Vitor Pereira, whose varied career includes notable roles with Porto, Olympiacos, Fenerbahce, and Flamengo.
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Football News Today | La Liga 2 | Saudi Pro League | Major League Soccer | J League | EFL Championship | Brazilian Serie A
Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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