Pretty much every football league strives to be the best in the world, regardless of what the rest might think. The English Premier League is often considered the undisputed king of football by many. La Liga President may contest that claim, saying there was a time the Spanish league had the world’s best players.
Some may also argue that the French league was the best in the world last season, accommodating the likes of Neymar, Sergio Ramos, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and other world-class footballers. In reality, the closest any French team had come to winning the Champions League in recent years was PSG reaching the UCL final, losing to Bayern Munich.
Ronaldo claims the Saudi Pro League is better than some known European leagues, and he may have a point. Who’s the latest Premier League star to make a switch to the Middle East?
Riyad Mahrez to Al Ahli for €35m
After a prolonged transfer saga, Al Ahli has finally had a breakthrough in negotiations to bring Champions League winner Riyad Mahrez to Saudi Arabia. The Algerian has been a subject of interest worldwide for a while, with his immense talents not going unnoticed. Although he had a limited role in the City team that won the treble last season, Riyad Mahrez still managed to squeeze in some five goals and nine assists in all competitions.
Riyad Mahrez to Al Ahli, here we go! The documents are being exchanged as Man City and Al Ahli want the deal signed by the end of the week. 🚨🟢🇸🇦 #AlAhli
Mahrez will sign until June 2027 — Man City will receive €35m fee with add ons included.
Medical booked in the next 24h. pic.twitter.com/Vh390HYr6V
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 19, 2023
According to Fabrizio Romano, Al Ahli has reached an agreement with City for €35m to land Riyad Mahrez in Saudi Arabia. After completing his medical tests, the Algerian will sign a four-year contract with the Saudi club. He will play alongside former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino at his new club.
Cristiano Ronaldo claimed more soccer icons would follow him to join Saudi Pro League
Cristiano Ronaldo believes himself to be one of the most influential people in football, and rightly so. Considered by many as arguably the most marketable athlete in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo has the power to bring attention to pretty much any club he plays for or any league he plays in.
Cristiano Ronaldo: “My decision to join Saudi clubs was 100% crucial to bring in new top players. It’s a fact”. 🇸🇦
“When I joined Juventus, Serie A was dead and then after I signed… it was revived. Wherever Cristiano goes he generates higher interest”. pic.twitter.com/LOMeUmx0FU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 17, 2023
“My decision to join the Saudi League was 100% crucial to bring in top players. It’s a fact. When I joined Juventus, Serie A was dead, and after I signed, it was revived. Whenever Cristiano goes, he generates higher interest,” the former Manchester United star said in an interview.
The Saudi Pro League has been attracting some of the world’s best players and has two former Ballon d’Or winners playing. N’golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, Jordan Henderson, and Alex Telles are some big names that will turn out for a Saudi club or the other next season.
Is Ronaldo right about the Saudi League? Share your opinion with us!
