The Saudi Pro League is now home to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez.
With so much talent plying their trade there, LiveScore is the place to be for all the big talking points.
Adios, Ivan
Sevilla have confirmed midfielder Ivan Rakitic has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab.
The 35-year-old Croatian made a total of 323 appearances for the Spanish club — the 11th most in their history.
But now he joins some of Europe’s biggest stars in making the switch to the Middle East, signing a contract until the summer of 2025.
Joy for Jota
Al-Ittihad winger Jota is closing in on a move to Europa Conference League champions West Ham, according to Foot Mercato.
The 24-year-old has made just five appearances in the Saudi Pro League since making the switch from Celtic in the summer and may become another star to depart early from the Middle East.
Jordan Henderson recently cut ties with Al-Ettifaq after struggling to adapt and now Jota is on the verge of leaving team-mates Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Fabinho behind.
Transfer Talk: Moyes keen to nail Jota deal for Hammers
Howe’s Almiron admission
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is hoping to keep Miguel Almiron amid interest from the Saudi Pro League.
The 46-year-old said: “There has been a lot of noise and speculation about his future but as his manager, I’m desperate to keep him.
“He has been an integral part since I’ve come to the club in the sense that his contribution has been immense.
“There has been a lot of noise and that noise does come from somewhere but hopefully we can keep him when the window shuts.”
Rom wishes Saudi good Luk
Roma striker Romelu Lukaku praised the progress of the Saudi Pro League after scoring in a 2-1 friendly win over Al-Shabab.
The Belgian marksman said: “In the next two years, I see this league becoming one of the best in the world, if not the best.
“The clubs make a lot of efforts to bring big players here. As a result, the teams and the footballing qualities are improving significantly.”
All gone Ron
A Cristiano Ronaldo injury has put his showdown with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami next week in doubt.
Al-Nassr were due to face Shanghai Shenhua on Wednesday and Zhejiang on Sunday but both games have been called off on the eve of the first fixture.
A club statement said: “We are sad to announce that, unfortunately, and for reasons beyond Al-Nassr’s control, the event comprised of two matches scheduled on the 24th and 28th of January has been postponed to a date to be defined. We are willing to complete our training camp as planned in Shenzhen, a city that has warmly welcomed us and shown so much love for us and our captain.”