Summer Transfer Window: Evaluation

Now that the summer transfer window is over, it is time to evaluate the activity of each Saudi Pro League club!

If you would like to get a comprehensive list of arrivals and departures then we recommend visiting the official website of the Saudi Pro League by clicking this link: https://www.spl.com.sa/…/roshn-saudi-league-transfer…

Let’s begin!

𝟏. 𝐀𝐥 𝐈𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐝

𝐒𝐅𝐅 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟏𝟎/𝟏𝟎 (𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭)

Finishing fifth and missing international competition as the reigning champion was certainly a big disappointment for the fans of Al Ittihad. So it is not a surprise that there were big changes in Jeddah this summer. In fact, we may declare them the winners of the transfer window. Yes, even if we consider the departure of Hamdallah. Quality and depth were added to each department. Especially the attacking department of the midfield looks very promising with the arrivals of Diaby, Aouar and Bergwijn.

By the way, a little fun fact for you: according to the data available at transfermarkt.com, Al Ittihad was the top spender among the Saudi Pro League clubs, however, they did not even make the top 10 of the worldwide list!

Key transfer: Houssem Aouar (from: AS Roma)

A difficult pick. Not because we have any doubts in the skills of Aouar but the list of additions to the Al Ittihad squad is simply sensational. Nevertheless, the Algeria international eased our decision a little bit: while the season has barely started yet, he has already showed us with two late winners that he can be relied on under pressure.

𝟐. 𝐀𝐥 𝐐𝐚𝐝𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐡

𝐒𝐅𝐅 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟗/𝟏𝟎 (𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭)

According to the statistics available at transfermarkt.com, the Khobar-based team spent north of 80 million EUR to strengthen the squad following their recent promotion from the Yelo League. In light of this expenditure it is no wonder that the summer transfer window of Al Qadsiah can be labelled as a success, regardless of the departure of some key players (including last season’s top scorer of the Yelo League, Mbaye Diagne to NEOM SC). Each department was significantly strengthened as several well-known international players (Casteels, Nacho, Gastón Álvárez, Aubameyang and much more) and Saudi Arabian national team players (for example: Ali Hazazi, Hussain Al Qahtani, Qassem Lajami, Mohammed Qassem) joined the club. In light of these transfers, the objective of Al Qadsiah will likely be much more than just staying in the top division.

Key transfer: Nacho Fernández (from: Real Madrid)

Would you take a 6 times UEFA Champions League winner, most recent European champion to your squad on a free transfer? Yes, you would and Al Quadsiah did, too. Eyebrows were raised internationally as Nacho signed from Real Madrid early in the summer – what a statement signing that was to kick off the eventful transfer window of Al Quadsiah!

𝟑. 𝐀𝐥 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐛

𝐒𝐅𝐅 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟖/𝟏𝟎 (𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝)

The fans of the Riyadhi giants were certainly disappointed with last season’s mid-table finish. It is no wonder that Al Shabab was among the more active teams this summer and they can be declared one of the winners of the transfer window. Although Ivan Rakitić returned to his homeland and Moteb Al Harbi joined Al Hilal in a big-money deal, each department was massively strengthened. The capture of Hamdallah from Al Ittihad clearly stands out, however, several quality players joined the Riyadhi giants, including Al Juwayr (loaned from Al Hilal), Al Mayouf, Al Shanqiti (loan) and Camara (each from Al Ittihad), Bonaventura (from Fiorentina), Hoedt (from Watford), Podence (from Wolverhampton), Robert Renan (from Zenit), just to name a few.

Key transfer: Abderrazzaq Hamdallah (from: Al Ittihad)

Followers of the Saudi Pro League do not need to be introduced to the Morocco international forward. In fact, his signing could be the best bit of business of the summer transfer window in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Citing our earlier introduction of Hamdallah, 129 goals out of 137 Saudi Pro League matches say more than any description we could prepare. The offensive department of Al Shabab got massively improved.

𝟒. 𝐀𝐥 𝐄𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐚𝐪

𝐒𝐅𝐅 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟕/𝟏𝟎 (𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝)

Were it not for the last few days of the summer transfer window, we would have given a neutral rating to Al Ettifaq, however, a few star names decided to move to Dammam and the team feels significantly stronger than last year. It was a little bit of everything – just to name the key talking points: the loss of a few first team players (Ali Hazazi, Saad Al Mosa) was balanced by – among others – the capture of an exciting young talent from AS Roma (João Costa), a quality new goalkeeper (Marek Rodák) and a renewed loan for a familiar face (Seko Fofana).

Key transfer: Abdullah Radif (from: Al Hilal [loan])

It was difficult to pick one particular name but we decided to go with the young Saudi international. The talent of Radif is unquestionable, as well as the fact that he would have very limited game time at his parent club, Al Hilal. So his move to Dammam is a win-win situation for all the parties involved, especially the national team of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

𝟓. 𝐀𝐥 𝐑𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐝𝐡

𝐒𝐅𝐅 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟕/𝟏𝟎 (𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝)

Up until the last two weeks of August it looked like Al Riyadh is having an underwhelming summer transfer window. And then one announcement came after another and here we are, a massively strengthened squad. Further to other acquisitions, the Riyadhi team also raided the relegated teams and cleverly collected their best players, namely: Mensah and Roco from Al Tai, Al Bakr, Tozé and Selemani from Al Hazm.

By the way, if you follow our podcast then this should not come as a surprise to you as we predicted that several of these names will remain in the Saudi top division, regardless of the relegation of their previous clubs.

Key transfer: Bernard Mensah (from: Al Tai)

While Al Tai had an abysmal season, which ultimately ended in their relegation, Mensah – as their stand-out performer – can keep his head up and deserved to be given the chance to return to the Saudi Pro League. The creative midfielder scored an impressive 14 goals in the last campaign and already opened his goalscoring account this term, which shows that he could be a key figure in Al Riyadh’s quest to maintain their top flight status.

𝟔. 𝐀𝐥 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐥:

𝐒𝐅𝐅 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟔/𝟏𝟎 (𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥)

Despite winning almost everything last year, Al Hilal had a surprisingly active summer transfer window. Several key players (Saud Abdulhamid, Michael) and even club legends (long-serving captain Salman Al Faraj and Saleh Al Shehri, who scored THAT goal against Argentina) left the Blue Waves. On the other hand, sufficient replacements (Cancelo, Marcos Leonardo, Al Harbi) arrived and Neymar Jr. has to become fit at some point during this campaign, who will also be quite like a new signing. Overall: the squad looks at least as strong as last year – if not stronger.

Key transfer: João Cancelo (from: Manchester City)

Barcelona, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Juventus … just to name the last four clubs represented by Cancelo. His career achievements show that he is a true winner and one of the biggest names joining the Saudi Pro League this summer.

𝟕. 𝐀𝐥 𝐍𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫:

𝐒𝐅𝐅 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟔/𝟏𝟎 (𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥)

It is usually not the end of the world if you finish second in a competition. However, if you have Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro and the winning team had a comfortable lead over you during the entirety of last season then changes must be made. The squad is at least as strong as before and the weakest department, the defence got buffed up, however, we honestly expected a little bit more from Al Nassr.

Key transfer: Mohamed Simakan (from: RB Leipzig)

While some fans may have expected a bigger name to bolster the defence, the Marseilles-born defender is an excellent addition, brining both quality and experience to the squad despite his young age. He had been a key player in an RB Leipzig team, with which he won the German Cup twice and the German Super Cup once during his 2-year spell. Simakan is certainly looking forward to adding to the trophies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with Ronaldo and co.

𝟖. 𝐀𝐥 𝐀𝐡𝐥𝐢:

𝐒𝐅𝐅 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟔/𝟏𝟎 (𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥)

Finishing third and conceding the second least goals (jointly with Al Taawoun) is a very solid performance, especially being freshly promoted, so it is not a big surprise that Al Ahli was among the least active teams during the summer transfer window. Keeping together the core of the squad was their priority, in which they succeeded. The departure of Allan Saint-Maximin – albeit on loan – to Fenerbahce is notable but the late signing of England international forward Ivan Toney is going to be a more than sufficient addition to the attacking department to make up for his loss.

Key transfer: Ivan Toney (from: Brentford)

Speaking of Toney, the former Brentford man is expected to significantly bolster the offensive capabilities of Al Ahli. If he meets these expectations then the fans will certainly forgive the light transfer activity as the quality over quantity principle will prevail once again.

𝟗. 𝐀𝐥 𝐎𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐡

𝐒𝐅𝐅 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟔/𝟏𝟎 (𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥)

An exodus of incomings and departures could summarise the summer in Sakakah as familiar faces from last season were scarce in the first two matches of Al Orobah. It is always difficult to judge such a transformation but the squad looks stronger overall. While the likes of Tello or Zouma catches the eye, the obvious task for Al Orobah remain the avoidance of relegation.

Key transfer: Kurt Zouma (from: West Ham United [loan])

The former West Ham United captain will spend the last year of his contract away from London: in Sakakah. Allegedly failing at his medial with Al Shabab, the Frenchman is a great addition to the freshly promoted team, bringing both quality and leadership to the defence of Al Orobah.

𝟏𝟎. 𝐀𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐲𝐡𝐚

𝐒𝐅𝐅 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟓/𝟏𝟎 (𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥)

Although there was quite a lot of movement at Al Fayha during the summer, most of the key players – including the Zambian goal machine Fashion Sakala – were maintained. However, while the capture of Smalling catches the eye, the squad does not seem to be massively improved so we only give a neutral rating to them as the competition level of the Saudi Pro League has significantly increased.

And this may be good news for the fans of Al Fayha as our bold predictions generally fail…

Key transfer: Chris Smalling (from: AS Roma)

It is a sign of the times that a player of Smalling’s calibre joins a mid-table team in the Saudi Pro League. The Englishman is a big addition – both in terms of quality and height – and is expected to command the defence of Al Fayha.

𝟏𝟏. 𝐀𝐥 𝐊𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝

𝐒𝐅𝐅 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟓/𝟏𝟎 (𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥)

Al Kholood prepared for their first ever Saudi Pro League campaign with a complete shake-up. The end result? Difficult to judge. Up until the end of August it seemed that the loss of their three top scorers – namely: Arthur Rezende, Mariano Vázquez and Ahmed Yasin, who all departed this summer – would not be sufficiently replaced, however, Álex Collado (loaned from Real Betis), Myziane Maolida (bought from Hertha Berlin) and Jackson Muleka (loaned from Besiktas) were all signed – each on the 22th of August – to make up for their losses and to provide sufficient firepower to the newcomers of the league.

Key transfer: Aliou Dieng (from: Al Ahly [loan])

Our pick is the Mali international midfielder, whose duty will be to provide stability to the midfield of Al Kholood. Dieng has had a very successful 5-year spell with Al Ahly in Egypt and literally won everything both at club and international level with them. It would be a big mistake to judge Dieng based on his frustrating last campaign, during which he lost his starting spot in the team. In fact, Al Kholood may be very lucky to capture him as he is trying to get back to his best.

𝟏𝟐. 𝐀𝐥 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐣

𝐒𝐅𝐅 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟒/𝟏𝟎 (𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠)

The number of departures exceed the arrivals. This might not be an issue, however, several starting players departed and we do not feel that the replacements are enough to compensate for them and the squad looks thin. Add to that a potential injury crisis and Al Khaleej might find themselves in trouble.

Key transfer: Konstantinos Fortounis (from: Olympiacos)

Time to balance the negativity of our above statements: the capture of the Greece international midfielder is a great acquisition. The former Olympiacos man left Greece after a decade to join the project at Al Khaleej. A wealth of experience, versatility and an exquisite finisher with 99 career goals. The followers of the Saudi Pro League should familiarise themselves with his name as his 100th career goal is likely to arrive sooner rather than later!

𝟏𝟑. 𝐀𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐡𝐝𝐚

𝐒𝐅𝐅 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟒/𝟏𝟎 (𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠)

Probably the biggest losses for Al Wehda was the departure of veteran midfield duo Anselmo and Fayçal Fajr. The Knights of Mecca recognised this and signed Tunisian maestro Saad Bguir from Abha, Mohamed Al Makahasi from Raja Casablanca and Romania international midfielder Alexandru Creţu from Universitatea Craiova in order to reorganise their midfield. However, the fans might be somewhat disappointed with the overall transfer activity as their team is not looking stronger than last term and it is yet to be seen how the reshaped midfield will operate. We also expected more from Al Wehda so we give them an underwhelming rating.

Key transfer: Saad Bguir (from: Abha)

The Tunisia international midfielder was a loyal servant to Abha: he spent five seasons with them in the Saudi Pro League. Al Wehda cleverly capitalised on the relegation of Abha and signed Bguir on a free transfer. It looks like a very good piece of business, a real bargain, as he is already an established player in the league with a proven track record.

𝟏𝟒. 𝐀𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐚𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐧

𝐒𝐅𝐅 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟑/𝟏𝟎 (𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠)

Apart from the sale of talented Saudi right back Al Oyayari to NEOM SC, Al Taawoun did not suffer significant losses in the summer transfer window. Further good news to the fans of the Buraidah-based club is that the signing of Flávio from Trabzonspor was made permanent, too. However, the list of arrivals is not so impressive – we expected more from Al Taawoun than just retaining their key players, especially in light of their qualification to the AFC Champions League Two.

Key transfer: Fayçal Fajr (from: Al Wehda)

The name of the veteran Morocco international midfielder stands out from the incoming players. He brings a wealth of experience with himself to Buraidah.

𝟏𝟓. 𝐀𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐡

𝐒𝐅𝐅 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟑/𝟏𝟎 (𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠)

It is always dangerous to judge a team which is famous for its talent development, especially, if you are talking about the one-time champion of the Saudi Pro League, Al Fateh. However, the fans are likely unimpressed by this summer transfer window: several starting players left – including top scorer Cristian Tello – while replacements were lacking.

Key transfer: Péter Szappanos (from: Paksi FC)

The one-time Hungarian international is expected to defend the goal of Al Fateh this season. They get a wealth of experience with Szappanos, whose capabilities were already proven in the 1-0 victory over Al Ahli.

𝟏𝟔. 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐜

𝐒𝐅𝐅 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟐/𝟏𝟎 (𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠)

The fans of Damac might not be overjoyed with this transfer window. Although their team did not weaken, we are of the view that they did not become any stronger, either. With that said, it is difficult to see how N’Koudou and co could build on last season’s mid-table finish.

Key transfer: François Kamano (from: Abha)

It is fair to say that the last campaign was not a dream start to life in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Kamano as Abha relegated to the Yelo League. Nevertheless, the Guinea international forward got another chance in the top division with his move to the neighbouring city, Khamis Mushait.

𝟏𝟕. 𝐀𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐞𝐝

𝐒𝐅𝐅 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟐/𝟏𝟎 (𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠)

Al Raed was among the least active Saudi Pro League clubs during this summer transfer window. While key players were retained, the fans of the Buraidah-based team likely expected a more significant strengthening to their team. Especially in light of the fact that many of their rivals and the freshly promoted teams were also busier in the summer.

Key transfer: Mehdi Abeid (from: Istanbul Basaksehir)

Those with a good footballing memory may be familiar with the name of the Algeria international midfielder. Once labelled a great talent at Newcastle, it is fair to say that Abeid did not live up to the expectations. Nevertheless, he gets another chance to make a name for himself, this time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In our view, taking Abeid on a free transfer was a wise decision by Al Raed and many doubters could be surprised by the success of this transfer.

𝟏𝟖. 𝐀𝐥 𝐎𝐤𝐡𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐝

𝐒𝐅𝐅 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟏/𝟏𝟎 (𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠)

Honestly, it is not looking good for Al Okhdood. They barely escaped relegation and – among other important first team and squad players – two of their three joint top scorers, Léandre Tawamba and Andrei Burcă left this summer (for the purpose of completeness, Saviour Goodwin was the third and he stayed in Najran). Against this background the list of arrivals is rather unconvincing and – in our view – not enough quality and depth was added to the squad.

Key transfer: Saleh Al Abbas (from: Al Riyadh)

The Najran-born local boy is our pick, of whom we are big admirers. A genius transfer as his arrival not only strengthens Al Okhdood but also weakens a potential relegation rival. His goals will be much needed in the upcoming bloody relegation battle.