Saudi soccer clubs spent $407 million on international transfers this summer, their lowest total since the 2023 buying spree that aimed to boost its international cachet, according to FIFA’s transfer report. Clubs signed more players this year, but downgraded from the marquee deals that have come to define the league in favor of undervalued European stars such as Gabriel Martinelli, Crysencio Summerville, and Ollie Watkins, who all joined Al Hilal. The team, majority-owned by billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s Kingdom Holding, accounted for 42% of the spending.
Average fees have fallen by a third since 2023, while player sales hit a record $105 million. Saudi Arabia still ranked seventh globally for spending. The shift reflects the discipline Semafor’s Adrian Elimian reported in July, where clubs were told to buy within their means and sell before they spend more on new talent.