Before the summer of 2023, the prevailing perception was that any player moving from European leagues to the Saudi league was making a final career move, taking advantage of an unparalleled financial opportunity. However, just one season of the Saudi league, coupled with the stellar performances of its foreign players with their national teams, was enough to change this perception and open new doors for a return to European clubs. The Saudi league succeeded in breaking the stereotype of being a less competitive league, enticing European clubs to reconsider their stance on former players who had moved to the Gulf.
Before the summer of 2023, the prevailing belief was that leaving European leagues for the Saudi league was a final career move, offering an unmissable financial opportunity.
However, just one season of the Saudi league, and the impressive performances of its foreign players with their national teams, opened new pathways for returning to European clubs.
The Rule and the Exception
Typically, players moving from European leagues to the Saudi league found it extremely challenging to return to Europe. This was due to the European perspective that Gulf leagues were less competitive, making it difficult for players to maintain their level of performance.
Yet, there are exceptions to every rule. The Saudi league has successfully enticed European clubs to reconsider their stance on former players.
Kanté and Laporte
The "Euro 2024" provided an ideal platform for Saudi league players to showcase their talents on a grand stage. Notably, N'Golo Kanté of Al-Ittihad and Aymeric Laporte of Al-Nassr seized this opportunity.
Kanté impressed with France, earning the trust of coach Deschamps over other stars like Real Madrid's Camavinga. His physical prowess, often a point of European critique for Gulf league players, shone through, drawing interest from European clubs like West Ham—a rare feat for a 33-year-old Saudi league player.
Similarly, Laporte solidified his place in Spain's lineup, partnering with Le Normand and keeping former Real Madrid captain Nacho on the bench. His consistent high-level performance sparked interest from European clubs, with rumors linking him to a return to La Liga with Athletic Bilbao or Real Madrid.
Beyond this duo, other players have demonstrated their potential to return to Europe. Belgian Yannick Carrasco stood out for his national team amidst the struggles of Lukaku and De Bruyne. Nicolae Stanciu, despite playing for Damac, was an early Saudi Pro League ambassador with his scoring prowess for Romania.
Several players have made swift returns to Europe, such as Jordan Henderson, who left Al-Ettifaq for Ajax. However, despite returning to Europe, Henderson did not secure a spot in England's Euro squad, unlike others who remained in the Saudi league and were included in their national teams.
What About Ronaldo?
Cristiano Ronaldo excelled in the Saudi league last season, setting a scoring record and playing a key role for Portugal in the Euros. Nonetheless, his return to Europe wasn't as strongly considered, either due to his desire to stay with Al-Nassr or the financial constraints of European clubs.
In May, Ronaldo was rumored to join Bayer Leverkusen, potentially marking his return to Europe, but it remained speculative.
Overall, the success of the Saudi league in showcasing its foreign players and their continued high-level performances has significantly altered the perception among European clubs, making a return to Europe a viable option for these players.
In conclusion, the remarkable performance of foreign players in the Saudi league has not only challenged but also transformed the traditional views held by European clubs. What was once seen as a final career destination has now become a proving ground for talent, demonstrating that players can maintain and even enhance their levels of performance. This shift not only benefits the players and the Saudi league but also enriches the global football landscape, creating a dynamic and interconnected market for talent. As the lines between leagues continue to blur, the future of football promises to be more competitive and exciting than ever.