Allan Saint-Maximin: Saudi Pro League will soon become one of the best in world

Allan Saint-Maximin says he is certain the Saudi Pro League will become one of the top competitions in the world in “a couple of years” after making his debut in the competition with Al Ahli on Friday.

The Frenchman, 26, was one of the stars on display in the league’s 2023/24 season opener at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, where hosts Ahli defeated Al Hazem 3-1.

Former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino captained the side and scored all three of his team’s goals, with fellow summer signings Riyad Mahrez, Saint-Maximin, Edouard Mendy, Franck Kessie and Roger Ibanez all starting.

Saint-Maximin, signed last month from Newcastle United for a reported $35 million fee, represents part of Saudi football’s substantial revamp, with players such as Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, N’Golo Kante and Fabinho joining December recruit Cristiano Ronaldo in the kingdom.

The league has publicly stated its objective to make the Saudi Pro League one of the top 10 domestic competitions in the world.

Ahli, champions Al Ittihad, Al Hilal and Al Nassr, are now majority-owned by the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF). All 18 teams in the league are allowed up to eight foreign players in their squad.

Speaking after Friday's opening victory, Saint-Maximin said: “This league in a couple of years is going to be one of the top leagues – I’m sure about that. You can see there are so many good players. So if you put in all the teams eight top players you can be sure the league is going to be very good.