Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer to Al Nassr has changed the footballing landscape in Saudi Arabia, with the Middle East country turning into a new destination for elite footballers.
The likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Ruben Neves have joined Saudi Arabian clubs this summer. While a group of these newcomers are spending the final years of their careers, others have preferred to leave Europe at the peak of their careers.
Speaking to Betway, former Manchester United star Paul Ince compared Ronaldo’s transfer to Al Nassr to the league’s recent big-money arrivals.
“Some of it I get, and some of it I don’t,” he said. “When you talk about Ronaldo going to Saudi, I get that. He’s coming to the end of his career, he’s going for a payday, he’s going to try and promote the Saudi league. I understand that.”
Ince went on to criticize the moves of other players, particularly Ruben Neves, who is still in his prime.
He added: “When you see the kind of players that are going now, like Ruben Neves, who’s in his prime, it’s sad to see.
“I get that football changes and money has changed football, but I wanted to win titles, play in the Champions League… You’d think Neves would want to do that!”
Marcelo Brozovic and Roberto Firmino are the latest players to arrive in Saudi Arabia from top European clubs. The likes of Sadio Mane and Sergio Ramos are also heavily linked with moves to the Saudi Pro League.