The Saudi Pro League remained the top destination for football stars this summer window as the Middle Eastern state continued with their project of making them a hub for the sport and competing with Europe through its financial muscle. Not only are the state-backed PIF-owned clubs securing eye-catching transfers every window, but the other clubs in the league have also lured some star names by spending big money. This window has seen outcasts from their club arriving in the league to reshape their career again, but not all transfers don’t fall in the same category. Record winners Al Hilal or heavyweights Al Nassr have also poached key players of their respective clubs and at their peak, from top European leagues, enforcing the competition and increasing their quality. This has led to some top moves made in the Saudi Pro League this window, which we will discuss here.
Mateo Retegui (Atalanta to Al-Qadsiah) - $79 million
Enduring the best scoring record of his career with a smashing 25 goals in his debut season at Atalanta in Serie A, Mateo Retegui made the uncharacteristic switch to the Saudi Pro League this summer. Even more surprising was that the 26-year-old chose to join not one of the top clubs or PIF-backed teams, but Al-Qadsiah. The team was promoted to the top division only last season, but they aspire to become a well-known name soon, as indicated by this move. The transfer reflected Retegui’s desire to be the face of a club rather than playing second fiddle, which he would have done if he had signed for a top European club. Al-Qadsiah paid $79 million for the deal, making it the highest transfer fee paid in the Saudi League transfer window. It is a win-win situation for Retegui as well, with him continuing to be a nail-on-starter for the Italian national team irrespective of where he plays. His talent is undeniable and the knack of scoring tons of goals will only be profitable for each party involved.
Darwin Nunez (Liverpool to Al Hilal) - $62 million
Despite having some crucial moments and winning trophies at Liverpool, it is fair to say that Darwin Nunez did not live up to the whopping $86 million the Reds spent on him in 2022, following a sensational period at Benfica. The Uruguayan scored a then-Portuguese league record 34 goals in a single season before making the move to the Premier League at the same time as Erling Haaland’s move to Manchester City. However, Nunez fell out of the Golden Boot conversation and failed to meet the standards set by the Norwegian at the title rivals, despite scoring 40 goals in 143 appearances and contributing to the Reds’ Premier League success last season. The move was inevitable and the 26-year-old found it in the most successful club not only in Saudi Arabia but also in Asian football, Al-Hilal, this summer. The club was desperate to replace star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who joined Qatari club Al Rayyan SC on a free transfer, so they chose Nunez as the next marksman in a $62m deal. The player will also hope to rediscover his magic under the former Inter manager, Simone Inzaghi.
João Felix (Chelsea to Al Nassr) - $35 million
Another player who could now find his feet wherever he went in Europe since leaving Benfica and ended up in the Saudi League is João Felix. He joined Atletico Madrid in 2019 as the second most expensive transfer in football history for a teenager at $152m, but couldn’t justify the price tag. The player, then brought in to replace Antoine Griezmann, failed to solidify his spot at the side and went on to unsuccessful loan spells to Barcelona, Chelsea and later AC Milan. The Blues secured his signature midway in the hope that he would bring the vibes that made him a wonderkid, but he failed miserably again. Hence, the now 25-year-old needed somewhere to reignite his career, especially with the World Cup next summer. Al Nassr came up with the opportunity for him to play alongside the Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo by splashing $35 million to secure him from the Premier League outfit. Félix appears to be redeeming himself with this decision, as he aims to build his legacy outside of Europe.
Theo Hernández (AC Milan to Al Hilal) - $29 million
Not only players who are hoping to get their career back on track are opting to join the league, but top players seeking the next step in their career are also joining the queue. Money is always the big factor, but not the sole motive behind the moves. The high-profile transfer of Theo Hernández from AC Milan to Al Hilal proves that. The Frenchman became one of the best left-backs for the Rossoneri since joining them from Real Madrid back in 2019. The 27-year-old contributed to the club’s Serie A success in the 2021-22 season, the 2025 Italian Super Cup victory and was involved in 68 goals while also captaining the team. It was important for Milan to tie one of their prized assets to a contract extension, which was running out in June 2026. However, an agreement on his salary hike was not reached, which led Al Hilal to swoop in with an offer and Milan was forced to sell to not let their star go for free. Hence, Hernández went for a unique destination to play out the next part of his career after spending over six seasons in Serie A.
Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich to Al Nassr) - $29 million
Another notable transfer in terms of profile to the Saudi League was secured by Al Nassr as they landed the deal of star winger Kingsley Coman from Bayern Munich. The Frenchman became a heartthrob for the Bavarians after joining from Juventus on loan in 2015 before making a permanent switch in 2017. The charismatic winger made 339 appearances, scored 72 goals and provided 71 assists in a blistering spell for the German giants. The player also set an impressive streak of winning the Bundesliga in all but one season he has featured in, while also creating the most memorable moment of scoring the winning goal that helped Bayern Munich secure their sixth Champions League crown in 2020. However, Coman saw his place put into question after the big-money arrival of Luis Diaz from Liverpool this summer and desired a move, which the club obliged in a $29m deal to Al Nassr on a three-year contract. It is fair to say Al Nassr has pulled off an impressive signing here, while Coman will be eager to show his class in a new environment.
Iñigo Martínez (Barcelona to Al Nassr) - Free Transfer
However, the most significant transfer in the Saudi league that stands out is Iñigo Martínez leaving Barcelona for free, which took many by surprise. The centre-back was a key cog in Hansi Flick’s team, which rejuvenated themselves by completing a sensational domestic treble last season and only just missing the Champions League final. While the focus was primarily on the Catalan giants’ impressive attack, Martínez successfully guided the defence to remain solid and stable, even while employing a risky high line. He mastered the art of catching players offside while also being a passing machine, a determined defender, and contributing important goals from set pieces, playing 46 games in all competitions last season. However, the unexpected move of the 34-year-old happened this summer, with Al Nassr coming with a lucrative offer and Barcelona, in financial constraints, had to give the nod to the deal. With three classy signings in the window to add alongside the never-stopping Cristiano Ronaldo, it was a statement of intent from Al Nassr, who are not only eyeing domestic supremacy but also continental success.
