Al Hilal has emerged as the Saudi Pro League’s biggest spender on transfers since the 2023-24 season, according to Spanish newspaper Marca, with the club spending approximately €856.99 million on player transfers during the period.
According to the report, Al Hilal spent €632.84 million on players coming from clubs in Europe’s top five leagues, while generating €48.59 million in revenue from player sales.
The figures highlight the dramatic transformation of the Saudi transfer market in recent seasons, as clubs have continued to attract high-profile players from some of Europe’s biggest competitions.
Al Nassr Second and Al Ittihad Third
Al Nassr, home to Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, ranked second, spending €436.83 million on new signings since the 2023-24 season. The club generated €42.14 million from player sales during the same period.
Al Ittihad ranked third with €414.18 million in spending and €40.13 million in transfer revenue.
As a result, Al Hilal’s total spending alone exceeded the combined spending of Al Nassr and Al Ittihad over the period covered by Marca.
Al Hilal Places Eight Players in the Top 15
Al Hilal’s dominance extends beyond its overall spending.
According to Marca, eight Al Hilal players appear among the 15 most expensive signings made by Saudi clubs since the 2023-24 season.
Al Nassr, Al Qadsiah and Al Ittihad each have two players in the ranking, while Al Ahli has one.
The figures underline the scale of Al Hilal’s investment in high-value players and its strategy of strengthening the squad with internationally recognized talent.
Neymar Remains the Most Expensive Signing
Brazilian star Neymar tops the list of the most expensive transfers made by Saudi clubs during the period, with his move to Al Hilal valued at €90 million according to the report.
Colombian forward Jhon Duran ranks second after Al Nassr paid €77 million to sign him from Aston Villa.
Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli is third at €70 million following his move to Al Hilal, while Crysencio Summerville ranks fourth at €64.5 million.
The 15 Most Expensive Transfers
Marca’s ranking is as follows:
- Neymar – Al Hilal: €90 million
- Jhon Duran – Al Nassr: €77 million
- Gabriel Martinelli – Al Hilal: €70 million
- Crysencio Summerville – Al Hilal: €64.5 million
- Mario Retegui – Al Qadsiah: €61.75 million
- Tijjani Reijnders – Al Qadsiah: €61 million
- Moussa Diaby – Al Ittihad: €60 million
- Malcom – Al Hilal: €60 million
- Otavio – Al Nassr: €60 million
- Ollie Watkins – Al Hilal: €58.4 million
- Ruben Neves – Al Hilal: €55 million
- Darwin Nunez – Al Hilal: €53 million
- Aleksandar Mitrovic – Al Hilal: €52.6 million
- Galeno – Al Ahli: €50 million
- Fabinho – Al Ittihad: €46.7 million
Saudi Football Continues to Attract Global Stars
The figures reflect the remarkable transformation of the Saudi football landscape in recent years.
Saudi clubs are no longer relying exclusively on established veterans at the end of their careers. The transfer market has increasingly included players at different stages of their careers, strengthening the technical quality and global profile of the league.
The arrival of internationally recognized players has also increased global media attention and fan interest in the Saudi Pro League, while giving its clubs a stronger presence in the international transfer market.
Al Hilal at the Top of the Spending Table
Marca’s figures underline Al Hilal’s dominant position in the transfer market during the period covered by the report.
With spending approaching €857 million, compared with approximately €437 million for Al Nassr and €414 million for Al Ittihad, the financial gap between Al Hilal and two of its biggest domestic rivals is substantial.
The numbers demonstrate how competition in the Saudi Pro League is increasingly connected not only to performances on the pitch, but also to clubs’ ability to build competitive squads and attract players capable of making a major difference.
Bigger Spending Raises the Competitive Stakes
As Saudi clubs continue to invest heavily in the transfer market, expectations surrounding the domestic competition are also rising.
The scale of investment places greater emphasis on clubs converting financial spending into sporting and commercial value through results, fan engagement, international exposure and stronger competition.
With Al Hilal leading the spending rankings according to Marca, the Saudi transfer market has firmly established itself as one of the most active markets in global football, with major investments and international stars continuing to reshape the league.
