The big story of this summer transfer window has been the rise of the Saudi Pro League as a hot destination looking to attract the biggest stars in European football, and with the Saudis, bankrolled by the $620 billion Public Investment Fund (PIF), taking the market by storm, we bring you the latest updates on who is making the move to the kingdom, who is saying «thanks, but no thanks» and who is still mulling it over. — Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) The current Ballon d'Or holder got Saudi Arabia's summer business underway in style, completing a free transfer from 14-time European champions Real Madrid to the two-time Asian champions Al Ittihad.
The 35-year-old France international signed a three-year contract worth $107 million a year. A protracted transfer saga finally came to an end with French midfielder Kante calling an end to his seven-year stay at Stamford Bridge to join his international teammate Benzema at Al Ittihad on a free transfer.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner is set to earn $86m per year throughout his four-year deal with the Jeddah-based club. Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers received a club-record fee of $60m for the transfer of their captain, Neves, to Al Hilal.
The Portugal international midfielder joined Asia's most successful club side. Saudi Arabia's raid on Stamford Bridge continued as the PIF target more players.