“In Two or Three Years…”- After Lionel Messi Jilted $1.6 Billion Monster Deal, Cristiano Ronaldo Makes Monumental Claims Over Saudi Pro League Future

Saudi Pro League soccer is under a massive overhaul. Saudi Arabia’s PIF, who owns Premier League club Newcastle United, made enormous investments to take ownership of four clubs. After landing Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, they were eyeing Lionel Messi.

However, all their efforts went in vain as Messi chose MLS franchise Inter Miami over a move to Saudi Arabia. Messi’s announcement has stopped all the speculations over his future for once. He ditched the last time approach from Al Hilal with an improved offer of over $1.6 billion over three years to join David Beckham’s club.

But it hasn’t stopped his arch-rival from making a huge claim on the future of the Saudi Pro League.

Cristiano Ronaldo has a say on Saudi Pro League’s future

Ronaldo spoke to Saudi Pro League recently. He said the league is improving, and if it continues the work, the Saudi Pro League can be a top-five league in the world in the next five years. Ronaldo also urged soccer stars playing in Europe to join the revolution in Saudi Arabian soccer. He again reiterated his claims during his visit to Madrid on Wednesday.

The five-time Ballon d’Or was in Madrid to promote his Ursu Water. While speaking to the press after the promotion event, he spoke about the superstars joining Saudi Pro League. “I am sure that in two or three years the Saudi League will be one of the most important leagues in the world,” Ronaldo said, reiterating the progress league is making.

It would have been a dream had Al Hilal landed Lionel Messi. But it wasn’t to be. The Argentine chose to join Inter Miami despite an enormous offer from the Saudi club. He wanted to join FC Barcelona, but their financial troubles didn’t guarantee him the signing. Despite Messi snubbing Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo still feels the league will be the most important in coming years. But what makes him think that way?

Saudi Pro League overhaul

PIF, valued at around $600 billion, started investing in the country’s soccer last year. Its two subsidiaries, Qiddiya and Jeddah Central Development (JCD) signed massive deals with four top clubs. As per agreement with Qiddiya, Riyadh-based clubs Al Nassr and Al Hilal were getting $26 million a year. JCD signed a similar deal with Jeddah-based clubs, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli. 

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This deal happened last year. And now PIF announced the majority takeover of all these four clubs. Saudi Arabia plans to lure a host of European superstars to join the league with mouth-watering salary offers. They have succeeded so far in signing Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante. 

Moreover, the cash injection in the clubs is also focused on improving facilities, with Qiddiya already building over 40,000 capacity soccer stadiums in Riyadh. 

After Lionel Messi’s snub, it will be intriguing to see which superstars join Saudi Pro League. Let us know your thoughts on the future of Saudi Arabian soccer.

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