Impact of Middle East Situation Accelerates "Exodus" of Stars from Saudi League

Written by Han Bing Although Saudi League occasionally spreads rumors of bidding for stars like Salah and B. Fernandes, this week's buzzword is not joining, but escaping—last summer Uruguayan striker Nunez joined Riyadh Crescent for 53 million euros, Italian national team striker Retegui, along with En-Nesyri, Moussa Diaby and other stars also wish to depart quickly. Despite enjoying sky-high salaries in Saudi Arabia, inability to adapt to local life and the impact of the Middle East situation have led to a continuous acceleration of the star exodus.

Nunez, who will turn 27 in June, joined Liverpool four years ago setting a club record transfer fee (85 million euros), moved to Riyadh Crescent last summer, but he has also failed to prove himself in Saudi League, with 9 goals and 5 assists in 24 matches this season. During the winter window Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe sought to purchase Nunez, but because Riyadh Crescent focused on securing Benzema's joining, Nunez's transfer procedures were not completed before the winter window closed. Nunez has tense relations with coach Inzaghi, and with Benzema's arrival, Riyadh Crescent removed Nunez's registration for the second half of the Saudi League season. From early February to the season end in May, he only has the AFC Champions League Elite to play.

By late February, as the Middle East situation sharply deteriorated, Nunez eagerly wanted to leave. This week rumors emerged linking him with Juventus and Fenerbahçe, even AC Milan, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Atlético Madrid have joined the competition, inquiring with Riyadh Crescent. Nunez's annual salary at Riyadh Crescent is as high as 25 million euros, but to return to Europe, he is willing to accept a significant salary reduction. Juventus hopes to sign this prime-age striker, but the club must qualify for next season's Champions League to afford him; Chelsea hopes to sign Nunez to replace the underperforming Delap.

However, currently the most sincere interest comes from Fenerbahçe. During the winter window, they successfully recruited Kanté and Talisca from the Saudi League, Nunez's failure to join was merely a procedural issue. Fenerbahçe urgently needs top stars to compete with Galatasaray, which has Icardi, Osimhen, and Sané, and is determined to secure Nunez. It is reported that Fenerbahçe management's budget is 50 million euros.

Currently, many stars want to leave Saudi Arabia. Last summer Italian national team striker Retegui joined Saudi newcomer Qadisiyah for 68.25 million euros, after Italy missed the World Cup and he returned to Qadisiyah, he has expressed consideration of returning to Serie A. This season's most expensive signing in Saudi League has already contacted AC Milan to discuss joining possibilities. Retegui this season delivered 18 goals and 1 assist in 29 matches, maintaining stable efficiency at goal, but he still hopes to return to safer Serie A.

Moroccan striker En-Nesyri from Al-Ittihad and French winger Moussa Diaby will both leave in the summer window. The 28-year-old En-Nesyri only joined from Fenerbahçe in early February winter window, but war risks make him consider returning to Europe. Moussa Diaby, who joined in summer 2024 with a transfer fee up to 60 million euros, this season has 4 goals and 13 assists in 36 matches, with interest from Inter Milan, Tottenham, Newcastle United and Chelsea, and Al-Ittihad's asking price will not be lower than 40 million euros.

Additionally, English striker Ivan Toney and Brazilian winger Galeno from Al-Ahli may face a one-year suspension due to comments questioning Saudi League's favoritism towards Riyadh Victory. Both have prepared to return to play in Europe.

Cancelo, who joined Barcelona on loan in the winter window, also stated he will not return to Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Crescent's asking price of 15 million euros is the main obstacle for him staying at Barcelona. Liverpool proposed exchanging Salah for Riyadh Crescent's young Brazilian forward Leonardo, who joined in September 2024 at a high price of 40 million euros, this season with 17 goals and 1 assist in 31 matches, the player himself hopes to prove himself in top European leagues soon.

Saudi media believe if the Middle East situation does not significantly improve shortly, the star "exodus" from Saudi League will continue to accelerate.