CRISTIANO RONALDO believes that his move to Saudi Arabia earlier this year has opened ‘a box’ for other players to make the switch.
Ronaldo left Manchester United before signing a record-breaking £175million-a-year deal at Al-Nassr.
Since then, the Saudi Pro League has become more involved in the European transfer market, with moves for some of football’s biggest stars.
Lionel Messi was long linked with a move to Al-Hilal before joining Inter Miami.
Last week, Karim Benzema – the reigning Ballon d’Or – completed a shock move to Al-Ittihad.
Speaking during a brand event, Ronaldo said: “I knew that me going to Saudi Arabia would open a box and I wasn’t wrong.
“I’m sure in a couple of years or three, this league is going to be one of the most important leagues in the world.
“Karim left already and I am 1000 per cent sure that many more players will”.
Ronaldo’s controversial move to Saudi Arabia has been the turning point in the league’s recruitment drive.
Since then, a number of high-profile names have been linked with a switch to the Middle East.
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French striker Benzema has signed a three-year deal with the Saudi champions worth 86million-a-season, ending his 14 years at Real Madrid.
Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante is also on the cusp of sealing a 86m-a-year move to Al-Ittihad.
Chelsea had hoped to keep Kante on board by offering him a two-year contract extension, but the 32-year-old now looks set to leave Stamford Bridge.
Al-Hilal – who finished third last season – are also rumoured to be keen to sign Barcelona legends Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez, who is chasing a Treble this season, has also been linked with a deal, this time at Al Ahli.
Al-Ahli were one of four clubs to be taken over by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund this week.
It was claimed the move will “unleash various commercial opportunities, including investment, partnership and sponsorships across numerous sports”.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
