It all started with Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese football superstar moved to Al Nassr from Manchester United in January, setting off what appears to be a trend.
Several big-name players have since followed on his footsteps, ditching top European leagues for the sunnier – and wealthier – climes of the Saudi Pro League.
Here are some of the most eye-catching deals by clubs in the kingdom during this transfer window:
Karim Benzema: Real Madrid to Al Ittihad
The 35-year-old left Real Madrid in the summer on a free transfer as the club’s second-highest goalscorer and top assist provider.
The five-time UEFA Champions League winner and current Ballon d’Or holder signed a two-year contract, with the option to extend for a third, with the reigning Saudi Pro League champions that is reportedly worth $213m per season.
N’Golo Kante: Chelsea to Al Ittihad
Kante will join his compatriot Benzema in Jeddah where reports suggest he will earn $109.8m per year after joining Al Ittihad for three years on a free transfer.
The 32-year-old picked up both Premier League and Champions League trophies during his seven-season stint with Chelsea.
Jota: Celtic to Al Ittihad
The 24-year-old winger from Portugal has been a standout player over two seasons for the Scottish giants.
He joined Al Ittihad on a three-year contract with Scottish media reporting the transfer fee was $31.73m.
Ruben Neves: Wolverhampton Wanderers to Al Hilal
The Portuguese midfielder, at 26 years old, is one of the first established names to have moved to the Saudi league at the prime of their career.
He joined Al Hilal on a three-year deal for a reported $60m.
⏰ 75’#AlHilal 4 🆚 2 Kuwait SC pic.twitter.com/lYNPuCCZa0
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) July 23, 2023
Jordan Henderson: Liverpool to Al-Ettifaq
Henderson, 33, signed with Al-Ettifaq on July 27, after the club successfully lured former teammate and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard to join as manager.
The England international was captain of Liverpool when the club won the Premier League and Champions League titles. He will reportedly earn 700,000 pounds ($900,000) per week.
Kalidou Koulibaly, Chelsea to Al Hilal
The Senegalese defender will join Neves in Riyadh on a three-year deal after a solitary season at Stamford Bridge.
British media reported the transfer fee was about $21.6m.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Lazio to Al Hilal
The 28-year-old Serbian has signed a contract with Al Hilal until 2026.
Italian media reported that Al Hilal would pay about $44.5m for the highly rated midfielder.
Edouard Mendy, Chelsea to Al Ahli
The Senegalese goalkeeper will travel to Jeddah on a three-year deal after three seasons at Stamford Bridge.
British media reported the Saudi club would pay about $20.24m for the 31-year-old.
Roberto Firmino: Liverpool to Al Ahli
The 31-year-old Brazilian forward has joined Al Ahli on a free transfer after eight illustrious seasons with Liverpool, in which he won the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020.
📷 | Morning session at the gym 💪 pic.twitter.com/qy0nbYeINo
— Al-Ahli Saudi Club (@ALAHLI_FCEN) July 21, 2023
Riyad Mahrez: Manchester City to Al Ahli
The two clubs have come to an agreement for the transfer of the Algerian international on a three-year contract for a reported $38.5m.
The 32-year-old will move to Jeddah after a treble-winning season with Manchester City.
Fabinho: Liverpool to Al-Ittihad
Fabinho has moved for a reported 40 million pounds ($51.5m) to end his five-year stay at Liverpool, which he joined from Monaco.
The 29-year-old Fabinho made 219 appearances for Liverpool and helped the club win the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League a year later.
Sadio Mane: Bayern Munich to Al Nassr
Mane has signed a four-year contract, Al-Nassr added on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
Financial details were not disclosed but media reports said the Saudis paid 40 million euros ($43.85m) for the 31-year-old who had two more years left on his Bayern contract.
Marcelo Brozovic: Inter Milan to Al Nassr
The 30-year-old Croatian midfielder international has signed a three-year deal.
Italian media said the transfer fee was $19.6m.
Seko Fofana: Lens to Al Nassr
The 28-year-old Ivory Coast midfielder has joined Al Nassr on a three-year deal.
French media said the transfer fee was about $28.1m.
Alex Telles: Manchester United to Al Nassr
The Brazilian defender is set for a reunion with former United teammate Ronaldo after 50 appearances for the Reds.
Last season, he won the Europa League with Sevilla during a loan spell with the Spanish club.
Telles signed a contract until 2025 and media reports suggested United would receive about $7.71m for the deal.
As usual 😂
We welcome our new star 🤩#AlNassrJapanTour2023 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/C2yv1qTBrC— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) July 23, 2023
