Why Are the Saudi Pro League Players Demanding to Leave Their Clubs?
By Remember when all those star players from Europe suddenly decided that it was a good idea to go and play in Saudi Arabia? Saudi Pro League transfers were the most searched results at that point. Many high-class players decided to follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo and enhance the quality of the local league.
But who’s lying, we all know what was the real reason for all those moves – money! The list of Saudi Pro League foreign players has increased overnight. But all of them came in search of a better salary and a way to secure their lives after their playing careers.
Some of them even confused doing so, which was the case of Ruben Neves, who came to Al-Hilal from Wolverhampton. However, it seems that all of those players are now having second thoughts. Most are considering a move back to Europe. Most of the Saudi Pro League top players are regretting their decisions and are looking for a way out.
The Karim Benzema Transfer Saga
The biggest news about potential comebacks to Europe was about the biggest player that came to Saudi Arabia. When Karim Benzema came to Al-Itihad on the cusp of winning the Ballon d’Or, it was the most important piece of business the Saudis have done.
He quickly became the Saudi Professional League highest paid player. With a lot of expectations already put on his back, Benzema was under a lot of pressure about his performances and how Al-Itihad played.
It all resulted in him missing team practices and failing to show up at the recall after the half mark of the season. He has recently put all doubts to rest when he said that he is staying put in Saudi Arabia. Even so, the case is still open.
Jordan Henderson the First to Go
The first player to actually pack his bags and leave was Jordan Henderson. The former Liverpool captain and English international admitted that he was not able to adapt to life in the Saudi League. He said that he and his family were not feeling comfortable there and decided to uproot and leave.
He even went on to criticise the attendance at the Saudi Pro League matches. While playing for Al-Ettifaq, Jordan admitted that the crowd only came when they played the best teams, i.e., the teams with the top European players. While failing to show up for less exciting opponents.
In the end, Jordan struck a deal with the team where he gave up a lot of money and came to Ajax instead.
Cristiano Ronaldo the Advocate of the League
One player who is having the time of his life in Saudi Arabia is Cristiano Ronaldo. It seems that he has found the perfect league for him. He has already become one of the Saudi Pro League best players.
He is actually saying that more players in the Saudi Pro League should be adopting his approach. Ronaldo actually says that the quality of football even surpasses some major European leagues.
We are not sure if Cristiano’s advocacy will result in more Saudi Pro League new players coming in from Europe. But we already know that he will be the spokesperson for the upcoming 2034 World Cup, set to take place in Saudi Arabia. So we know where his allegiances lie.