The Saudi Pro League’s summer transfer window has closed on another period of transformative investment, cementing the Kingdom’s status as a global force in the football market. While the colossal superstar signings of previous years were not replicated, the 2025 window was defined by a strategic deepening of talent, with clubs securing established European stars, seasoned internationals, and promising prospects to build more balanced and competitive squads.
Champions Al Hilal made a significant statement of intent, landing French international full-back Theo Hernández from AC Milan and Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez from Liverpool to bolster their title-defending squad. Their Riyadh rivals, Al Nassr, embarked on an aggressive rebuild under a new leadership team, capturing Portuguese playmaker João Félix from Chelsea and French winger Kingsley Coman from Bayern Munich in a clear bid to reclaim domestic dominance.
The league’s traditional powerhouses rounded out their business with intent. Al Ittihad, guided by sporting director Ramon Planes, focused on a blend of youth and experience, recruiting Guinean prospect Roger Fernandes and Serbian defender Jan Carlo Simic from Europe. Meanwhile, Asian Elite Cup winners Al Ahli reinforced their ranks with French midfielder Enzo Millot and Brazilian winger Matheus Gonçalves ahead of a demanding season that includes a FIFA Club World Cup campaign.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the window came from Al Qadsiah, who signaled their ambition by signing Mateo Retegui, last season’s top scorer in Italy’s Serie A, from Atalanta. They further strengthened by acquiring Portuguese midfielder Otávio from Al Nassr and veteran Saudi international Yasser Al Shahrani from Al Hilal.
The emergence of newly-formed Neom FC also captured headlines. The club made an immediate impact by securing veteran French striker Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon, alongside midfielders Amadou Koné and Abdoulaye Doucouré, making their intentions clear from the outset.
The investment was not limited to the top clubs. Al Shabab moved decisively late in the window to sign French midfielder Yacine Adli and Burnley’s Josh Brownhill. Elsewhere, Al Ettifaq added Slovak international Ondrej Duda, Al Taawoun signed French midfielder Angelo Fulgini, and Al Khaleej brought in Norwegian striker Joshua King, demonstrating a league-wide push to raise the competitive standard and setting the stage for what promises to be the most compelling Saudi Pro League season to date.
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