Aston Villa emerged as the biggest European beneficiary of Saudi Pro League transfer spending since summer 2023. It generated USD 226.9 million (EUR 195.4M) from player sales to Saudi clubs.

The English club, part-owned by Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris, generated the highest transfer income from Saudi clubs since summer 2023.  Meanwhile, six Premier League sides feature among the top 10.

Why You Should Care

The figures show how Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in football is creating a significant revenue stream for European clubs. The Premier League has captured a large share of that spending, with six English clubs ranking among the 10 European sides that have generated the most transfer income from Saudi clubs since 2023.

The shift also shows how capital flowing into Saudi football is extending beyond player recruitment. European clubs are capturing substantial value from the spending, creating a financial link between the Saudi Pro League and some of Europe’s biggest football markets.

The Details

For Aston Villa, which is part-owned by Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris, three transfers account for its leading position. The club received USD 89.4 million (EUR 77M) for Jhon Durán’s move to Al Nassr. It also received USD 69.6 million (EUR 60M) for Moussa Diaby’s transfer to Al Ittihad. Finally, it received USD 67.8 million (EUR 58.4M) for Ollie Watkins’ move to Al Hilal.

A report by Spanish sports newspaper Marca highlights the scale of Saudi clubs’ activity in the European transfer market over the past three years. Aston Villa leads the ranking with  USD 226.9 million (EUR 195.4M) in proceeds. Manchester City follows with USD 172.4 million (EUR 148.5M), and Liverpool with USD 132 million (EUR 113.7M).

Portuguese club Porto generated USD 127.7 million (EUR 110M), while Paris Saint-Germain recorded USD 119.6 million (EUR 103M). Chelsea followed with USD 115.5 million (EUR 99.5M). Atalanta, Arsenal, West Ham and Zenit completed the top 10 with USD 95 million (EUR 81.75M), USD 81 million (EUR 70M), USD 75 million (EUR 64.5M) and USD 69.6 million (EUR 60M), respectively.

Manchester City’s total includes USD 70.8 million (EUR 61M) from Tijjani Reijnders’ move to Al Qadsiah, alongside transfers involving Riyad Mahrez, Aymeric Laporte and Joao Cancelo.

Liverpool’s Saudi-related transfer income includes USD 61.5 million (EUR 53M) from Darwin Nunez, USD 54.2 million (EUR 46.7M) from Fabinho and USD 16.2 million (EUR 14M) from Jordan Henderson.

Saudi clubs have also continued to push higher up the ranking of the competition’s most expensive transfers. Since the 2023 to 2024 season, 19 of the 50 most expensive transfers in Saudi Pro League history have taken place.

This summer, Al Hilal added Gabriel Martinelli for USD 81.3 million (EUR 70M) and Crysencio Summerville for USD 75 million (EUR 64.5M). Martinelli’s transfer now ranks third among the league’s most expensive deals, behind Neymar at USD 104.5 million (EUR 90M) and Jhon Durán at USD 89.4 million (EUR 77M).

The Ripple

The spending has strengthened the financial link between Saudi football and Europe’s major leagues. Saudi clubs have become important buyers for European sides looking to monetize established players. Meanwhile, the largest deals have increasingly involved clubs competing at the top end of the European market.

Al Hilal has been the biggest Saudi spender since summer 2023, committing EUR 856.99 million to transfers. EUR 632.84 million of that amount went to clubs in Europe’s five major leagues. Al Nassr ranks second with EUR 436.83 million in total spending, followed by Al Ittihad at EUR 414.18 million.

What to Watch

The next indicator will be whether Saudi clubs continue to increase their presence among the world’s largest transfer markets. The growing number of high-value deals and the increasing revenue generated by European sellers suggest that the relationship between the Saudi Pro League and Europe’s major leagues is becoming an increasingly significant part of the global football transfer market.