Portuguese media reports have raised concerns over the future of the Saudi Pro League project, suggesting that the recent winter transfer window has exposed growing challenges that could undermine the ambitious football initiative launched several seasons ago with the high-profile arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.
According to Portuguese daily A Bola, the Saudi Pro League is entering a sensitive phase that threatens a project which has significantly reshaped the global football transfer market in recent years.
The report highlighted that the league, currently one of the most aggressive in terms of investment, faces the prospect of losing a large number of its star players, with the contracts of around 125 footballers set to expire at the end of the current season.
The newspaper noted that the latest winter transfer window revealed clear signs of instability, following stalled or failed departures involving several prominent names, including Bento (Al Nassr), Yannick Carrasco (Al Shabab), Marcos Leonardo (Al Hilal), and Moussa Diaby (Al Ittihad).
The report also drew attention to Cristiano Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction, citing frustration over what he perceives as a slowdown in investment compared to the level of spending at Al Hilal.
In addition, reports of delayed salary payments to some players have reignited questions surrounding the management of the sports portfolio by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Financial figures cited by the Portuguese outlet indicate that total spending on the league has exceeded €2.3 billion, with a net deficit approaching €1.95 billion, surpassed only by the English Premier League in terms of overall losses.
Al Ittihad were identified as the most affected club, particularly after the departure of N’Golo Kanté, who joined Fenerbahçe following the termination of his contract.
Karim Benzema’s move to Al Hilal was also described as a deal that sent shockwaves through the league, while further exits remain possible, including Fabinho and Danilo Pereira.
The report added that several players remain on the radar of European clubs, such as Houssem Aouar and Roger Fernandes.
While the league still retains its most prominent figure in Cristiano Ronaldo, the potential departure of more players during the summer transfer window could threaten the momentum built in recent years, especially as Saudi Arabia prepares for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
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