Saudi Pro League News
The latest news, analysis and transfer updates from the Saudi Pro League.
Off The PitchSaudi Club's Fine Over Jota Taunts Tests Whether Cruelty Carries Real Consequences
Al-Taawoun have been fined ยฃ20,000 and ordered to play two matches behind closed doors after fans chanted Diogo Jota's name at Ruben Neves, Jota's grieving best friend. Cristiano Ronaldo has called for lifetime bans, raising questions about whether Saudi football's discipline matches its ambitions.
Off The PitchRichard Hughes' Exit Leaves Liverpool Exposed as Saudi Arabia Poaches Its Boardroom Talent
Richard Hughes has left Liverpool as sporting director after just 15 months to join Al Hilal, walking out with 21 months still on his contract weeks after sanctioning a ยฃ200m summer rebuild. His exit compounds instability at Anfield's decision-making core as FSG faces a second major leadership vacancy in barely a year.
Breaking NewsGabriel Martinelli's ยฃ60m Al-Hilal Move Shows Saudi Arabia Can Now Buy Players in Their Prime
Gabriel Martinelli has left Arsenal for Al-Hilal in a ยฃ60m deal, ending seven years in north London after Mikel Arteta told him he wasn't part of his plans. Unlike previous Saudi Pro League signings, the 25-year-old Brazil international is leaving Europe still in his footballing prime, a shift that could reshape how clubs assess the threat of Saudi recruitment.
Transfer CentreAston Villa's ยฃ65m Nicolas Jackson Deal Bets Big On Fixing A Finishing Problem Chelsea Never Solved
Aston Villa have completed a club-record ยฃ65m signing of Nicolas Jackson as Ollie Watkins departs for Al-Hilal after 108 goals in six years. The underlying numbers show Jackson creates more chances than Watkins ever did, but his big-chance conversion record raises questions about whether Villa have fixed their finishing problem or just changed its shape.
Transfer CentreGabriel Martinelli's Arsenal Career Is Over In All But Paperwork
Gabriel Martinelli's Arsenal exit is down to personal terms after a verbal โฌ65m package was agreed with Al Hilal, a deal that would become Arsenal's record sale. The move confirms his fall down Arteta's pecking order and sets up further attacking business involving Barcola and Gabriel Jesus.