Former Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has admitted that the high standard of competition in the Saudi Pro League caught him off guard following his move to Al-Hilal. Despite spending years testing himself in England's top flight, the 30-year-old forward has been impressed by the technical and physical demands of Middle Eastern football.
Darwin Nunez is now 27 years of age and should be at the peak of his powers. The ex-Liverpool forward decided against returning to European football, and potentially the Premier League, during the last transfer window and remains in Saudi Arabia. Gus Poyet has explained to GOAL why his fellow Uruguayan took that stance, with a “crazy” contract being factored into the equation.
Karim Benzema considered making an emotional return to boyhood club Lyon following the termination of his Al-Hilal contract this summer. However, his former agent has revealed why the fairytale move was ultimately impossible to pull off.
Gabriel Martinelli opted for a radical change of scenery this summer, snubbing interest from fellow Premier League clubs to complete a lucrative move to Al-Hilal. The Brazilian winger brought his long-standing association with Arsenal to an end after being informed he was surplus to requirements by Mikel Arteta.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has handed Al-Taawoun severe penalties after offensive chants referencing the tragic passing of Diogo Jota echoed from the stands during a league fixture. Disciplinary chiefs have imposed a substantial financial penalty alongside a two-game stadium closure following the appalling incident against Al-Hilal.
Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has firmly dismissed sensational speculation linking the German club with a move for veteran striker Karim Benzema. Despite widespread reports suggesting direct contact between both parties following the forward's release in Saudi Arabia, the Rhineland hierarchy have ruled out any late market swoop.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has expressed his shock following pointed criticism regarding the departures of Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli during a hectic summer window. The Gunners boss found himself in the firing line after both players left north London under a cloud of frustration and public questioning.
Saudi Pro League stars Sadio Mane and Julian Quinones have earned landmark nominations for the 2026 Ballon d'Or following superb domestic and international campaigns. The Al-Nassr and Al-Qadsiah forward duo lead a strong RSL contingent recognised by France Football, with goalkeepers Yassine Bounou and Edouard Mendy also shortlisted for the Yashin Trophy.
The stage is set for what could be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final opportunity to conquer Asia as the Asian Champions League prepares to kick off next week. With the Saudi Pro League having invested billions to transform the regional landscape, Al-Nassr and their domestic rivals are determined to keep the continent's most prestigious trophy in Riyadh or Jeddah.
Al Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi has jumped to the defence of his superstar attackers after the Saudi giants saw their historic 47-game unbeaten league run come to a crashing halt. Despite fielding a frontline worth over $200m, the league leaders slumped to a shock 2-0 defeat against Neom at the Kingdom Arena.
Ellie Watkins has admitted she is still in shock after her husband Ollie completed a stunning €60 million transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. The England international left Aston Villa after six successful years, prompting an emotional farewell from his family as they relocate to Riyadh.
Gabriel Martinelli has completed a £60 million move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal after being frozen out of the Arsenal squad. The Brazilian winger posted a heartfelt farewell message to the Gunners, but conspicuously omitted manager Mikel Arteta following a reported rift between the pair.
Gabriel Martinelli has officially ended his seven-year association with Arsenal, completing a blockbuster £60m move to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal. The Brazilian forward, who was a pivotal figure in the Gunners' recent Premier League title success, makes the switch after being frozen out of the first-team picture by Mikel Arteta at the start of the new campaign.
Al Hilal
