"Modric, Benzema and Messi": the Saudi Professional League

Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr within the Saudi Pro League at the beginning of 2023, paving the way in which for among the recreation's greatest stars to probably be part of him within the Middle East within the years to come back.

Lionel Messi is one in every of them, having been linked with a bumper €400million-a-year transfer to Al-Nassr rivals Al-Hilal when his contract with PSG expires this summer time.

Messi's PSG performed an exhibition recreation in opposition to a Saudi Pro League XI made up of Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal players, together with Ronaldo, in January. PSG received the entertaining match 5-4, giving folks within the Middle East a style of what it may very well be like ought to the Argentine ever resolve to maneuver there.

It's positively one thing everybody in Saudi Arabia desires too.

"Messi can be the dream," sports activities journalist Khaled Al-Arafah defined to FourFourTwo.

"It was an unimaginable second to have the 2 players on the pitch in Saudi Arabia in January - hopefully sooner or later they are going to formally face one another in our home league.

"But even when it is not Messi, I'm 99 per cent certain you will see extra excellent stars within the Saudi Pro League at the beginning of subsequent season."

Kaku is a Paraguayan worldwide who at present performs within the Saudi Pro League with Al-Taawoun. For the 28-year-old, the potential of extra high players becoming a member of Ronaldo is an thrilling prospect, which he believes may have the twin advantage of ever-higher requirements and making a extra seen showcase for expertise already. competing within the Saudi League.

“We heard about Luka Modric, Karim Benzema and Lionel Messi,” Kaku mentioned TFF. “The league is rising by leaps and bounds, which makes it extra engaging.

"Bringing big-name players is a crucial element that may solely make issues higher, and I feel it may well additionally push me to turn into top-of-the-line within the league. It's my want to achieve Europe - now, by enjoying properly right here, I feel I can have my likelihood.

Find out all latest news and updates