After $912,819,924 Splurge, Cristiano Ronaldo & Neymar Jr’s Return to Europe Faces Roadblock as Champions League Hopes End

Rumors often swirl in the soccer world. They captivate not only fans but analysts and pundits, too. One such speculation brought the fans on their toes. The possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Jr. joining the European competition was exciting despite their playing in Saudi Arabia. But there’s a twist. 

The rumors suggest that the Saudi Pro League (SPL) is in talks with UEFA over the league champions participating in the Champions League. One of the league executives also sounded confident about the rumors. However, the SPL chief has provided a significant update that might upset the fans. 

No Cristiano Ronaldo or Neymar at the European competition

The dynamics of the soccer world are changing. The governing bodies are increasing games to captivate audiences and increase revenues. A few ideas, like All-Star games, are going down well with the fans. Even FIFA is expanding its Club World Cup competition. With all the changes in bodies trying to make the game fan-centric, SPL held talks with UEFA. 

The news started swirling that UEFA might approve the participation of SPL champions in the Champions League. All these reports were because UEFA is expanding the competition. Also, a few nations, like Israel and Kazakstan, outside Europe participate in the UEFA competitions. And above all, a $912,819,924 splurge on several superstars from Europe, like Neymar Jr., Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kante, amongst others, propelled the idea.

But it seems there’s a roadblock. SPL chief Yasser Al-Mishal squashed all those rumors. He said, “Our clubs’ participation in the Champions League is just media speculation.”

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It would have provided a chance for either Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema or Neymar to play in the UEFA Champions League again. It will be interesting to see how the fans react to the statement made by the Saudi League chief.

Humongous spending by SPL clubs

According to transfermarkt.com, SPL clubs have spent $915 million in the summer transfer window. Riyadh-based Al Hilal spent the most, followed by Al Ahli of Jeddah. Al Hilal spent over $381 million to sign Neymar, Malcom, Ruben Neves, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Yassine Bounou, and Tambakti. On the other hand, Al Ahli spent around $198 million.

The Jeddah-based club signed Gabri Viega, Riyad Mahrez, Roger Ibanez, Allan Saint-Maximin, Merih Demiral, Eduardo Mendy, and Franck Kessie. Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al Nassr spent over $178 million to sign Otavio, Sadio Mane, Aymeric Laporte, Seko Fofana, Marcelo Brozovic, and Alex Telles. Al-Ittihad spent over $81 million to sign Fabinho and Jota. Big signings like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Roberto Firmino, amongst others, came on a free transfer.

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Let us know your thoughts on the idea of the Saudi Pro League club playing in the UEFA Champions League. Post a comment below!