Saudi Arabia has become a highly sought-after destination for footballers seeking significant earnings towards the end of their careers – yet, some players are squandering their prime years there.
Top international players, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema, are among those lured by Saudi Arabia’s financial prosperity, but the country also hosts top European footballers who normally play in Europe’s top leagues.
We’ve selected eight top players who can’t believe they’re spending their prime years in a league that is intellectually undemanding, but financially rewarding.
Moussa Diaby
Having been transferred to Al-Ittihad from Aston Villa during the previous summer, Diaby currently holds the highest valuation in the league at €35 million.
The winger’s transfer raised questions over the summer and, despite one goal and 10 assists in 10 appearances in the Saudi Pro League in 2024, his market value significantly dropped.
The smart money is betting that Diaby will earn enough funds in the next couple of years before returning to Europe once he’s 27.
Ruben Neves
Considering that Neves is currently at the pinnacle of his career, it is no shock that he has been ranked as the second most valuable player in the Saudi Pro League.
The 27-year-old stood out as a superior player last season and dominated the league with Al-Hilal, leading them to an easy championship.
But a mediocre European with Portugal and the lack of demand in the Saudi League saw his market value decline by 12 million euros in 2024.
Reports of a potential loan move to Newcastle several years ago never materialized, but we’re certain that Neves would still easily break into the midfield of most Premier League teams.
Malcom
Malcom was set to join Roma at the time, with fans waiting for him at the airport, returning from Bordeaux, when Barcelona suddenly intervened and took control of the deal in 2018.
He failed to justify his €41 million transfer fee and was later sold to Zenit after one season, with Barcelona largely recovering what they had paid.
The winger’s value was a significant one, €60 million in 2023. Given that he has not lived up to expectations, his unfortunate hefty transfer expenses are quite remarkable, especially since he is still only 27 years old.
Merih Demiral
Demiral was an exciting young center-back when Juventus signed him from Sporting, Unfortunately, the Turkish international wasn’t a regular in the Old Lady’s backline and ended up moving on to Atalanta.
Currently, Demiral is reportedly earning Saudi money at 26 with Al-Ahli. It’s somewhat surprising that top-flight clubs such as Leicester and Wolves haven’t made an enquiry for him.
Gabri Veiga
Labelled ’embarrassing’ by Toni Kroos’ one-word verdict on Instagram after leaving boyhood club Celta Vigo to sign for Al-Ahli in 2023, Veiga rejected big-money offers to join a range of top European clubs to sign with Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia.
He was highly regarded during his time in La Liga, but he still has yet to earn a call-up for the Spanish national team. At 22 years old, he’s young and has plenty of time to develop, but it’s difficult to picture him earning a spot on the national team if he remains unknown in the football world.
He has scored eight goals and set up five others in thirty-nine appearances for Al-Alhi, but now Veiga’s been largely forgotten.
Franck Kessie
Another midfield talent going underutilized, Kessie can’t be faulted for leaving Milan behind despite his crucial role in their 2022 Serie A title victory, because who would decline Barcelona’s interest?
It may have turned out poorly in Catalonia, but relocating to Saudi Arabia after just one season was not the right decision. He has played well for Al-Ahli and still has a lot to bring to the table, and at 28, he should be competing at the highest level where the spotlight is brightest.
Milan fans probably wouldn’t be all too thrilled to see him return, but we’re confident there’s a long list of top Serie A teams who’d jump at the chance to acquire him.
Iraqi international player was unbeatable for the Reds in 2021-22 and should have cemented his position.
Renan Lodi
After a loan stint with Nottingham Forest, Lodi joined Marseille in the summer of 2023, but opted to leave shortly thereafter, despite regularly starting games in France.
Al-Hilal paid €23 million for the left-back’s services and Lodi won the league and cup double in his first half-season in Saudi Arabia.
He is currently the seventh highest earner at the club, earning £175,000 per week. Only Manchester United would be foolish enough to pay that amount for the 26-year-old, but he should still be competing at a European level.
Houssem Aouar
He was previously closely associated with Arsenal, having been seen as a strong potential stimulus for the Mikel Arteta era, but ultimately moved to other options, with the team instead signing Martin Odegaard.
Mehdi Zeffane played for Lyon until 2023 before joining Jose Mourinho’s Roma, only to have the move prove to be unimpressive and brief.
He only spent one season in Italy and was quickly transferred to Al-Ittihad at 26. Teams like West Ham and Everton might find that satisfactory.
