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When Saudi Calls, Only Few Can Say No
Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema have all left Europe following successful careers that span years.
Ronaldo, who departed Real Madrid as the club’s all-time leading scorer with 450 goals, signed a two-year contract with Al-Nassr in January. Despite having played 16 games in the Saudi Pro League and scoring 14 goals, his Al-Nassr team came in second this season.
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On a deal through 2026, Benzema’s transfer to Saudi side Al-Ittihad has been officially announced. The current Ballon d’Or winner, Benzema, developed into Madrid’s talisman over the past five seasons, scoring at least 19 league goals each year and helping Madrid win both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League in 2022.
After passing his medicals in London, N’Golo Kanté is almost ready to announce his transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad. The France international, whose Chelsea contract expires this month, has reached an agreement for a term through 2025 for €100 million (£86 million) per season with an additional year’s option.
Speculations are also rife that another Saudi Arabian club is looking to poach Totthenham’s Son Heung-min to a Middle Eastern country come 2024. It doesn’t stop there. Man City’s Morrocan star, Riyad Mahrez is also on the radar of Saudi club, Al-Ahli’. With the confirmation of Benzema and of Kante (Though yet to be made official), many football fans across the five top leagues in Europe will see some of the stars move over to Saudi Arabia.
The money, most often is difficult to reject, especially for players who are in their early to mid-30s. What this does is deny Europe the chance to watch these stars, especially on European night football days.
However, Lionel Messi, despite the staggering amount proposed, the Barcelona great is neither going to Saudi Arabia nor returning to Spain.
FURTHER READING
The most anticipated acquisition in Major League Soccer history, Messi will play for Inter Miami starting next month. His departure for America also marks the end of a heyday for European football.
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