Saudi soccer cuts spending
Saudi clubs spent the lowest amount since the 2023 buying spree that aimed to boost the kingdom’s international soccer cachet, according to FIFA’s transfer report.
Saudi soccer clubs reduced their spending on international transfers this summer, spending $407 million, the lowest total since 2023, according to FIFA's transfer report. Despite signing more players, clubs opted for undervalued European stars like Gabriel Martinelli, Crysencio Summerville, and Ollie Watkins to join Al Hilal. This shift in strategy accounts for 42% of the total spending, which has fallen by a third since 2023.
The team, primarily owned by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, remains seventh globally for spending. The change in approach is a result of discipline, as reported by Semafor's Adrian Elimian, who advised clubs to buy within their means and sell before spending more on new talent.
Written by urgent.news from Semafor's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
