It’s well-known how the Saudi Pro League has raised the bar in the soccer transfer market after the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo. Let alone the Middle East, it’s challenging for any league outside the top five of Europe to bring in the highest goalscorer, a Ballon d’Or holder, and two-time treble winners, thanks to big money. However, an interesting insight into the expenditure of the catalysts Al Nassr, especially in this season, was revealed recently. After stealing some good deals in the form of Sadio Mane and others, where they sit among other teams is commendable.

According to the latest report, Al Nassr had spent approximately $149 million on players’ contracts this season. The league runner-up had quite a star-studded squad and was expected to be a main contributor to the summer transfer market, but is not even the top spender in the country. The report suggests Al Nassr sits behind Saudi League winners Al Hilal and Al Ahli as the third-highest-spending team this season.

But one major reason for Al Nassr’s position is because Ronaldo came in the earlier winter window. The club from Riyadh would definitely sit higher if the Portuguese captain had joined other players last summer. Bringing players like Otavio, Aymeric Laporte, Sadio Mane, Seko Fofana, and Marcelo Brozovic with such spending is appreciable. However, it was spectacular how the other giants went to war with the club in yellow to get their own stars.

Last year’s league champions Al Ittihad is at 4th in spending, having paid just 82 million roughly. Their squad includes 2022 Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, and former CL winners N’Golo Kante and Fabinho. But it was Al Hilal who expended a humongous 353 million and won the title. On the other hand, Al Ahli finished third after their promotion back to the SPL. Nevertheless, it’s not expected to stop here.

Al Nassr aims for a stronger team next season

The season did not turn out as desired for Al Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo. The club hasn’t won a title except for the friendly Arab Cup despite some brilliant performances. However, the Knights of Najd are expected to consolidate their squad this summer. With Laporte leaving the club in the upcoming season, Al Nassr could aim to get Manchester United players Casemiro and Raphael Varane, their earlier targets.

Moreover, reports also suggest that CR7 is pushing the team to go for Bruno Fernandes. But, despite the willingness to spend, the Red Devils could be adamant about keeping both Casemiro and Fernandes whose contracts run till 2026. But can the Saudi giants give an offer they cannot refuse?

Nevertheless, their immediate focus will be to win the King’s Cup scheduled for May 31st. And with a formidable team this time, Al Nassr will aim to end the season on high.