According to recent statements from Romelu Lukaku, the Saudi Pro League may be getting its newest celebrity player in a transfer. The Belgian striker's future at Roma’s Stadio Olimpico is uncertain, according to reports, as Chelsea are hoping to cash in on his sale. During Wednesday's friendly match in Riyadh, Roma defeated Al-Shabab 2-1 thanks […]

As a possible early exit from his contentious transfer to Saudi Arabia, Jordan Henderson is allegedly in discussions to join Italian giants on loan. Six months ago, the veteran made history by leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia's Al-Ettifaq, a club backed by the PIF. He was among the most prominent players from the Premier League […]

After a little under six months away from the Premier League, Jordan Henderson is considering a shocking transfer back from Saudi Arabia. In July, the 33-year-old left Liverpool after 12 years to sign with Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq. The Saudi Pro League club reportedly paid about $15 million to acquire his talents and experience. Notwithstanding his […]

The Saudi Pro League (SPL) is considering changing its rules to expand its already massive roster of A-list players to even greater heights. The SPL has quickly become one of Asia's most prominent leagues and continues to look at ways to grow it. By 2024-25, the Saudi Pro League will have adopted new regulations that […]

Although he has only been at Saudi club Al-Ahli for six months, former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino may be ready to call it quits. When his contract with Liverpool expired in June 2023, the Brazilian striker chose to depart for free. The wealthy Saudi Pro League (SPL), Al-Ahli then swooped in over the summer and […]

Following Al-Nassr's signing of Cristiano Ronaldo last year, the Saudi government has shifted its attention to soccer at an increasing rate. European soccer was rocked in the summer when a slew of players received massive transfer bids from clubs funded by the sovereign wealth fund. Neymar, Roberto Mancini, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Karim Benzema, and Karim Benzema […]

The Saudi Pro League (SPL) is not hesitant to bring in additional players in January, according to Michael Emenalo, the league's sporting director. A slew of international soccer players were signed by the state-backed league for an astonishing $950 million in a single transfer window. No wonder the four teams controlled by the Public Investment […]

Serie A heavyweights from Milan, arch-rivals AC Milan and Inter, are reportedly under the watchful eye of the Public Investment Fund (PIF). For the time being, four of the most popular clubs in Saudi Arabia—Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, and Al Hilal—are owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund. Last summer, Saudi Arabia welcomed […]

The year-long limbo over Manchester United's ownership will soon be ended as Sir Jim Ratcliffe's acquisition of a minority interest nears completion. In a head-to-head struggle last month, the INEOS CEO came out on top against a Qatari consortium chaired by banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani. He is currently within striking distance of […]

Newcastle executive Dan Ashworth has confirmed that the Magpies might explore the Saudi market in January to find a replacement for the suspended Sandro Tonali. The Italian midfielder is now serving a 10-month ban after FIFA extended the worldwide suspension. The 23-year-old was sanctioned by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), last week for violating betting […]

Saudi clubs have had a significant impact on global soccer, and they want in on the UEFA Champions League. To sign high-profile players, the four Public Investment Fund (PIF)-owned teams received massive funds. The chance was seized by European teams, who stocked their coffers, but questions are being raised. Some of the biggest names in […]

Saudi Arabia is already working on a way to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Following the vast investment into the domestic game via the Saudi Public Investment Fund, the nation are now focusing on the World Cup bid. According to a report by The Times, the Middle Eastern nation is currently attempting to gain […]

Juventus could be set to save a significant amount of money should they offload Paul Pogba this summer. The France international re-joined the Serie A club last summer from Manchester United as a free agent. However, various injuries forced the midfielder to the sidelines for the majority of the 2022/23 season. Pogba made just 10 […]

As the richest league in the world, The Saudi Arabia Effect is having an impact on the world of soccer. We discuss the impact thus far. This episode of the World Soccer Talk Podcast is presented by Sling. In the last 12 months, Saudi Arabia has been working on trying to change sports as we […]

Newcastle United minority owner Amanda Staveley doesn't believe the Saudis and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) will leave the club anytime soon despite rising controversy. Her comments come after other Premier League teams and Amnesty raised questions about the club's ownership. Newcastle chairman Yasir al-Rumayyan is officially listed as “a sitting minister of the Saudi […]