The signing of Neymar has not turned out as expected for Al Hilal so far. The Saudi club paid PSG a whopping $98.26 million to get the Brazilian to Riyadh. However, the lucrative side of the deal was for Neymar, who will earn a staggering $175 million after signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Saudi League giants. Recent reports suggest it’s not the club that’s taken the hit in this Neymar fiasco.

Al Hilal has signed a lot of talent this summer. Moreover, The Saudi League topped the spending charts only to remain behind the English Premier League with total spending amounting to an astounding $957 million. However, according to a Saudi League executive, despite the situation surrounding Neymar, the club’s finances have not been hit directly.

Al Hilal’s close call with Neymar deal

Saad Al Lazeez, Saudi Pro League’s chairman, clears the air surrounding the financial situation of Al Hilal after the disappointing start to Neymar’s career in Riyadh. The chairman said, “Neymar’s transfer was taken care of by the recruitment program, and Al Hilal did not pay a single cent.”

The Saudi PIF (Public Investment Fund) has focused its attention on making the Gulf country’s domestic league a success worldwide. For this, the PIF has invested heavily in certain teams and backed them up with the funds needed to bring world-class talents. Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo among many others are the most prominent transfers under this new project.

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The PIF is on a roll, with a plan of investing around $15 billion in the coming years, the Neymar deal will be homework for them. With the winter transfer on the horizon, it’s yet to be seen what’s under the sleeves of the investment firm this time.

Saudi PIF targets internal aspects to succeed further

Saudi Arabia’s PIF dominated the 2023 summer transfer window, acquiring clubs in the Saudi Pro League with eye-catching transfer fees and salaries. Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr set the tone, followed by stars like Neymar, Mahrez, and Mane. The SPL aims for a strategic shift in the coming years.

The league has appointed Michael Emenalo as the new sporting director. Emenalo is a former Chelsea executive and will lead the Player Acquisition Center of Excellence (PACE). He envisions a more measured approach that emphasizes a centralized strategy for transfers, squad planning, and player welfare. However, Emenalo anticipates a quieter January window as his core focus is on elevating existing players through enhanced training.

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As the SPL eyes the upcoming summer transfer window, Emenalo guides the league in analyzing potential ‘high-level signings’ and estimating associated costs. The focus will further shift from sheer financial prowess to strategic player development. SPL seeks to develop players on a sustainable model to hone the skills of their young talents.