Video: Al-Nassr's strategy as champions: proof that the Saudi league is no longer bought with money alone
The new password in the Saudi transfer market
Global transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano has praised the significant development taking place in the Saudi Pro League, stressing that the growth is no longer confined to financial power but has become a model in strategy and planning.
Speaking to the "Al-Mansa" programme on the "Thmanyah" network of channels, Romano said the transfer market in the Saudi league is witnessing truly significant growth, not only in terms of spending volume but also on the level of strategy.
The famous Italian journalist pointed to Al-Nassr as an example, saying: "If you look, for example, at Al-Nassr with people like Semedo or Simao, Coutinho and their team, and now them being the title holders, it was a very smart strategy."
Romano then laid out his philosophy on building successful teams, insisting the focus must fall on a specific type of player. "I always say go for the free player, the great leader, this type of player will build the ideal strategy," he said.
He signed off with a decisive message that summed up the current transformation in the Roshn League, saying: "So I sometimes think it is not only about money, but it is also about being smart to the utmost degree."
The summer 2026 transfer window in the Saudi Roshn League has been a busy one. Clubs have moved to strengthen their ranks ahead of a new season football fans are eagerly awaiting.
Global stars keep flocking to the Saudi league, and everyone anticipates fierce competition for the title and the Asian places. Al-Hilal led the way among the most prominent deals, signing Crysencio Summerville from West Ham for 64.5 million euros and Mohammed Maghrebi from Al-Taawoun for 7.6 million euros, while Marcos Leonardo left them for Ajax for 19.9 million euros.
Al-Nassr, meanwhile, signed Samu Costa from Real Mallorca for 22 million euros, and Al-Ittihad struck deals for Jan-Carlo Simic from Anderlecht at 15 million euros and Dion Lopy from Almeria at 13 million euros.
Al-Ahli's most prominent additions came in Francisco Trincao from Sporting Lisbon for 39 million euros and Eduard Spertsyan from Krasnodar for 21.9 million euros, alongside Abdullah Radif from Al-Hilal on a free transfer.
Al-Qadsiah pulled off a major coup by signing Tijjani Reijnders from Manchester City for 61 million euros. Other clubs such as Al-Shabab and Neom saw a variety of transfer movement involving domestic and foreign players. These deals reflect the Saudi clubs' continued strong investment to boost their competitiveness domestically and continentally.
