The Saudi Pro League’s emersion in football has been quite dramatic over the years, and that’s partly because they have something Manchester United does not – and that’s cash.
United have struggled financially in January, but have still managed to sanction some incomings. Patrick Dorgu looks Old Trafford-bound, whilst Ruben Amorim has nicked Ayden Heaven from Arsenal.
That being said, Manchester United’s new head coach would have liked to have done a lot more. Despite a small financial boost for the Red Devils in Europa winnings, they simply can’t spend this January.
United’s other problem? They can’t sell. Amorim has players he’d like to depart, such as Casemiro and Marcus Rashford, but no one wants or can afford them – not even the Saudi sides. A familiar story for United.
- READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2025, ins, outs, loan moves, deadline date
Alex Telles is Manchester United’s only sale to the Saudi Pro League
Despite the Saudi state throwing money around like it’s going out of fashion, Alex Telles is the only ever sale Manchester United have made to the Middle East.
On the 23rd of July 2023, Telles was introduced by Al-Nassr, signing a contract valid until 2025. The Brazilian made just 50 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring one goal and registering seven assists.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | 50 | 1 | 7 | 3.787′ |
Telles linked up with Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo at his new club, who of course did go from United to Saudi – but as a free agent.
This means Telles is the only player the Red Devils have ever sold to a club from the Middle East directly.
The Daily Mail reported that Telles’ final fee to Al-Nassr was around £4m. Pennies considering some of the gargantuan bids Saudi clubs are offering this January.
Saudi bid insane amounts for Kaoru Mitoma and Jhon Duran
The Express reports that Brighton & Hove Albion are set to receive a stunning £90million transfer offer for winger Kaoru Mitoma from Al-Nassr.
The report states that the Saudi club are intent on signing the Japanese international and have already seen a £54m bid turned down by the Seagulls.
This comes after Jhon Duran of Aston Villa sealed a move to Ronaldo’s side, with the BBC reporting they’ve splashed £64.4m plus add-ons for the Columbian.
Two undeniable players with bags of talent, but two undeniable ludicrous fees.
The fact Manchester United can’t ship any of their superstars, yet the Saudi clubs can splash the cash like this is nothing short of embarrassing for United’s recruitment team.
Let this be a lesson learned in the transfer market for Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Given recent signings, they appear to be seeing the error of their ways.
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