Saudi league set to kick off after raiding Europe's top clubs

When the new Saudi Pro League season kicks off on Friday (Aug 11) it will herald a new dawn for football in the Gulf kingdom which has spent close to half a billion dollars luring top players and coaches from traditional European powerhouses.

Last season, Al-Ahli and Al-Hazm were in the second division but the two clubs will meet in the league's opener with fans around the world tuning in to see star-studded sides that seemed like a distant dream only a year ago.

Al-Ahli, in particular, are one of the few clubs that have benefited from the Saudi Public Investment Fund's (PIF) project to invest in and privatise clubs, which also include reigning champions Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.

On Friday, one could forgive Al-Ahli fans for rubbing their eyes in disbelief when they see Champions League winners like Riyad Mahrez, Edouard Mendy and Roberto Firmino line up in their team's shirt after the club's return to the top flight.

Saudi clubs spent nearly €450 million in the close season signing players, most from elite teams in Europe as the PIF created a blueprint for what football fans can expect in transfer windows to come.

The league turned heads when Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr last season soon after the World Cup in a deal which made him the highest-paid athlete on the planet.

The Portugal forward's move paved the way for more household names to sign up for a Saudi league that has increased its size from 16 teams to 18.

Ronaldo's Al-Nassr lost out on the title to Al-Ittihad, who wasted no time in reinforcing their team, with coach Nuno Espirito Santo bringing in Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Fabinho and Jota.

But Al-Ittihad will face stiff competition for the title from Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal this