A Turning Point for the Saudi Pro League

2023 marked a major shift for the Saudi Pro League (SPL) as it set its sights on becoming a globally competitive league. The high-profile transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo to Al Nassr FC captured international attention, sparking a wave of superstar signings. By the end of the 2023/24 summer transfer window, SPL clubs had spent nearly €1 billion, significantly elevating the league’s global profile.

An Aging Player Pool

While the spending spree made headlines, it also led to concerns over the league’s aging squads. Many of the SPL’s top signings in 2023 were already past their prime, including Neymar (31), Otávio (28), Mitrovic (28), Fabinho (29), Milinković-Savić (28), and Mahrez (32), with Ronaldo (37) further raising the league’s average player age.

A Strategic Shift Towards Youth

Recognizing the need for long-term sustainability, the SPL quickly pivoted its strategy toward recruiting younger players. This shift was not reactionary but part of a broader transformation plan. As early as 2023, SPL Director of Football Michael Emenalo emphasized that the league’s evolution was “well thought out,” offering a new platform for football development and competition.

Regulatory Changes to Promote Young Talent

To encourage youth development, the SPL introduced key regulatory measures in the 2023/24 season —particularly for local players—including:

• Reducing squad sizes for players over 21 to a maximum of 25 per club.
• Lowering the minimum registration age from 18 to 16.
• Allocating two international squad slots exclusively for players born in 2003 or later.

A Changing Transfer Market

The impact of these regulations was evident in the 2024/25 transfer market. Clubs faced challenges associated with high wages and costly contract terminations for aging stars, leading to a more cautious approach. As a result, total summer transfer spending dropped by nearly half compared to the previous season. More significantly, the profile of new recruits changed dramatically, with the average age of signings decreasing to 24.6 years.

The Rise of U23 Signings

The SPL’s youth-focused strategy was underscored by the fact that nine of the ten most expensive U23 signings in the league’s history occurred after the start of the 2024/25 summer window. Gabri Veiga, the only major U23 international player to move to the SPL before 2024, retained a market value above €30 million despite a serious ankle injury, highlighting the resilience of young talent in the market.

Managing Foreign Player Quotas

By the end of the 2024/25 summer window, all 18 SPL clubs had filled their quota of eight foreign players over 21, while 16 of the 36 available youth international slots had been utilized. This restriction limited additional foreign signings, forcing clubs to either sign younger talent or offload existing players. Consequently, veteran players like Neymar, Seko Fofana, and Talisca left during the January 2025 window.

Strategic and Measured Recruitment

While the high-profile signing of Jhon Durán from Aston Villa to Al-Nassr grabbed headlines, most other U23 transfers remained under €10 million. Many of these players came from lesser-known clubs, such as Aaron Martin (CD Tenerife, €1.4 million), Matheus Machado (SV Zulte Waregem, €2.9 million), and Unai Hernández (FC Barcelona B, €4.5 million). The focus on acquiring young talent at reasonable valuations reflected a more measured recruitment approach.

A Turning Point for the Saudi Pro League

2023 marked a major shift for the Saudi Pro League (SPL) as it set its sights on becoming a globally competitive league. The high-profile transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo to Al Nassr FC captured international attention, sparking a wave of superstar signings. By the end of the 2023/24 summer transfer window, SPL clubs had spent nearly €1 billion, significantly elevating the league’s global profile.

An Aging Player Pool

While the spending spree made headlines, it also led to concerns over the league’s aging squads. Many of the SPL’s top signings in 2023 were already past their prime, including Neymar (31), Otávio (28), Mitrovic (28), Fabinho (29), Milinković-Savić (28), and Mahrez (32), with Ronaldo (37) further raising the league’s average player age.

A Strategic Shift Towards Youth

Recognizing the need for long-term sustainability, the SPL quickly pivoted its strategy toward recruiting younger players. This shift was not reactionary but part of a broader transformation plan. As early as 2023, SPL Director of Football Michael Emenalo emphasized that the league’s evolution was “well thought out,” offering a new platform for football development and competition.

Regulatory Changes to Promote Young Talent

To encourage youth development, the SPL introduced key regulatory measures in the 2023/24 season —particularly for local players—including:

• Reducing squad sizes for players over 21 to a maximum of 25 per club.
• Lowering the minimum registration age from 18 to 16.
• Allocating two international squad slots exclusively for players born in 2003 or later.

A Changing Transfer Market

The impact of these regulations was evident in the 2024/25 transfer market. Clubs faced challenges associated with high wages and costly contract terminations for aging stars, leading to a more cautious approach. As a result, total summer transfer spending dropped by nearly half compared to the previous season. More significantly, the profile of new recruits changed dramatically, with the average age of signings decreasing to 24.6 years.

The Rise of U23 Signings

The SPL’s youth-focused strategy was underscored by the fact that nine of the ten most expensive U23 signings in the league’s history occurred after the start of the 2024/25 summer window. Gabri Veiga, the only major U23 international player to move to the SPL before 2024, retained a market value above €30 million despite a serious ankle injury, highlighting the resilience of young talent in the market.

Managing Foreign Player Quotas

By the end of the 2024/25 summer window, all 18 SPL clubs had filled their quota of eight foreign players over 21, while 16 of the 36 available youth international slots had been utilized. This restriction limited additional foreign signings, forcing clubs to either sign younger talent or offload existing players. Consequently, veteran players like Neymar, Seko Fofana, and Talisca left during the January 2025 window.

Strategic and Measured Recruitment

While the high-profile signing of Jhon Durán from Aston Villa to Al-Nassr grabbed headlines, most other U23 transfers remained under €10 million. Many of these players came from lesser-known clubs, such as Aaron Martin (CD Tenerife, €1.4 million), Matheus Machado (SV Zulte Waregem, €2.9 million), and Unai Hernández (FC Barcelona B, €4.5 million). The focus on acquiring young talent at reasonable valuations reflected a more measured recruitment approach.

The Road Ahead

The SPL’s ambitions go beyond global recognition. With Saudi Arabia set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the league is committed to developing Saudi football at all levels. Unlike other emerging leagues that primarily rely on aging international stars, the SPL’s pivot to younger players positions it uniquely for long-term growth.

A balanced approach—combining elite international recruitment with domestic talent development—will be key to strengthening the league’s competitiveness and solidifying Saudi Arabia’s status as a footballing powerhouse.