Saudi soccer clubs reduce international transfer spending this summer

Saudi soccer clubs spent $407 million on international transfers this summer, marking the lowest expenditure since the 2023 buying spree. While the number of player signings increased, teams shifted away from marquee deals in favor of acquiring European talent such as Gabriel Martinelli, Crysencio Summerville, and Ollie Watkins. Al Hilal represented 42% of the total spending for the league. This reduction follows mandates for clubs to operate within their financial means and prioritize sales before making new acquisitions. Consequently, player sales reached a record $105 million, and average transfer fees dropped by one-third compared to 2023 levels. Despite the spending contraction, the league remains the seventh-largest spender globally.

• 12:40 PMYahoo Sports — Saudi soccer cuts spending