Yet another high-profile arrival in the Saudi Pro League has, late on Friday, been confirmed.
The subject of Saudi Arabia’s increasing influence, of course, has taken its place front and centre in the football headlines over recent weeks.
This comes amid a never-before-seen outflux of top-class talent for the Middle East.
To this point in the summer transfer window, the likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Edouard Mendy, Jordan Henderson and Marcelo Brozovic have all opted to follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, in making the move to Saudi Arabia.
Many more are expected to follow, too, with talks currently ramping up over transfers for Sadio Mane and Marco Verratti, amongst others.
In turn, on Friday evening, it should come as little surprise to hear of yet another of the Premier League’s stars leaving English football in the rear view, to take his talents to Saudi Arabia.
As per transfer expert David Ornstein:
‘The paperwork has been completed on Allan Saint-Maximin’s proposed move to Al Ahli from Newcastle United in a deal worth approaching $30million.’
ASM, it is understood, has already undergone his medical at the Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium, ahead of putting pen to paper on a three-year contract.
🚨 Allan Saint-Maximin transfer from Newcastle United to Al Ahli in Saudi Pro League is now complete. Total fee for 26yo winger worth approaching €30m. Contract is 3yrs. Medical completed a week ago. All documents signed @TheAthleticFC #NUFC #AlAhli #SPL https://t.co/6O9ukbqH9q
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 28, 2023
Saint-Maximin’s arrival will put the finishing touches on what has been nothing short of a remarkable recruitment drive at Al Ahli this summer, with the Frenchman set to join Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino in a star-studded frontline, backed by former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy at the other end.
Kai Havertz reveals difference between Arsenal & Chelsea plus his preferred position
Revealed: Ousmane Dembele’s surprisingly low clause which PSG are ready to pay
