Summer transfer window 2025: The 10 biggest names who joined the Saudi Pro League

Once again this summer, Saudi clubs have been very active, already spending over €410m (£355.5m) while the transfer window remains open until 11 September. Numerous stars have left Europe to join the Saudi Pro League.

Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Al-Nassr in winter 2023, the Saudi league has become a new destination of choice for footballers. While the 2025 summer transfer window has been less frantic than previous years, several stars have still left their European clubs to move to Saudi Arabia. Some are approaching retirement, while others are former prodigies who, despite their youth, are trying out this exotic experience.

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Joao Felix

Arguably the most prestigious and unexpected arrival in Saudi Arabia, Joao Felix has struggled to maintain consistency. At just 25, the Portuguese forward has joined Al-Nassr and reunited with CR7 for a fee of €30m (£26m), following a mixed loan spell at AC Milan.

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Theo Hernandez

After a difficult season at AC Milan, it was time for Theo Hernandez to try something new. However, the left-back was not commanding a high market value and ultimately moved to Al-Hilal, where he will celebrate his 28th birthday in October.

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Darwin Nunez

© Imago

One of the collateral victims of Liverpool’s wild transfer window, the 26-year-old Uruguayan striker is already leaving Europe. He will attempt to revive his career at Al-Hilal, who paid €53m (£46.2m) to secure his signing.

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Mateo Retegui

A transfer that almost went unnoticed due to its early timing in the window, Mateo Retegui, recently crowned Serie A top scorer with 25 goals, has left Atalanta Bergamo to join Al-Qadsiah, where Nacho also plays. The deal was worth around €70m (£61m).

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Kingsley Coman

A chapter closes at Bayern Munich. After ten years in Germany, Kingsley Coman joined Al-Nassr this summer. The 29-year-old, regularly hampered by injuries, moved for €25m (£21m), potentially affecting his chances of featuring at the 2026 World Cup.

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Enzo Millot

This transfer raised eyebrows. While reportedly linked with Atletico Madrid and approaching a France call-up, 23-year-old Enzo Millot opted for Saudi Arabia and will now play for Al-Ahli.

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Marcin Bulka

One of many European players drawn to the project of newly promoted Neom SC, Marcin Bułka leaves after four seasons at OGC Nice to reunite with his former coach Christophe Galtier in Saudi Arabia.

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Inigo Martinez

After only two seasons at Barcelona, Inigo Martinez has already left the Catalan club. Despite having a guaranteed starting spot and gradually returning to international duty, the centre-back made the surprising decision to join Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.

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Alexandre Lacazette

Perhaps the most predictable move on this list, 34-year-old Alexandre Lacazette, having surpassed 200 goals with Lyon, takes on one last challenge with Neom SC.

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Julian Weigl

The former German football prodigy left Borussia Monchengladbach this summer. About to turn 30, the midfielder had several interesting offers but chose to join Al-Qadsiah for €8m (£6.9m).

This article was originally published on Top Mercato.