4 things to look for as Saudi Pro League takes off

This summer’s transfer window has seen frenetic activity like no other in the Roshn Saudi League.

Karim Benzema, Steven Gerrard, Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez, Neymar and several others led a deluge of talent into Asia’s premier domestic club competition. Football’s focus shifted definitively eastwards, with further ripples of excitement being fanned by unfulfilled — but insistent — talk of Mohamed Salah’s impending arrival right up until the Sept. 7 deadline.

Now comes the real action.

This window’s closure heralds the start of Saudi Arabia’s topflight settling into a familiar rhythm. There is much to anticipate and embrace in the coming weeks, starting with Thursday’s matchweek-six resumption.

Here is what to expect, plus major issues at play, in this campaign for the ages.

We’re just getting started

If the transfer season, with all its heightened drama and playful speculation, is the starter, now it is time for the Roshn Saudi League’s main course.

The new additions can settle into their unfamiliar environment. The arrival of autumn and less searing temperatures will provide opportune conditions to excel.

Head coaches throughout the division can, finally, take stock of their enviable options, determining an optimal way to get the best out of them. Jorge Jesus’ Al-Hilal XI, for example, which opened with 3-1 victory at Abha on Aug. 14 contained only a trio of foreign stars.

A tantalizing 14 matchweeks lie ahead, before a lengthy break for next year’s anticipated AFC Asian Cup.

Highlights include October’s Jeddah Derby for promoted Al-Ahli and holders Al-Ittihad, November’s capital clash between Hilal and Al-Nassr and December’s meeting of Ittihad and Nassr. Megastar Cristiano Ronaldo is averaging a goal