Al-Hilal leads Saudi clubs in summer spending

A file photo of Al-Hilal players celebrating.

RIYADH, Sept 7: Al-Hilal emerged as the biggest spender among Saudi Roshn League clubs during the summer transfer window, splashing €193 million on three major signings.

According to Transfermarkt, Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli was the league’s most expensive signing after moving from Arsenal, with Al-Hilal also bringing in Crysencio Summerville and Ollie Watkins. The club’s total spending reached €193 million (SAR 841 million).

Al-Qadsiah ranked next among the biggest spenders, paying €61 million for Dutch international Tijjani Reijnders and another €8 million for Ivorian Ali Badra Diabate. Its total outlay reached €69 million (SAR 300 million).

Al-Ahli spent €68.5 million, including €39.3 million on Francisco Trincao, €21 million on Edouard Spertsyan, and €6.5 million on Gambian defender Aboubakar Kinteh. Artem Bondarenko also joined on a season-long loan for a reported €1 million.

Al-Ittihad spent €32 million, signing Senegalese midfielder Dion Lopy from Almeria for €13 million, making Jan-Carlo Simic’s move permanent for €15 million, and paying €4 million for the loan of Colombian Richard Rios.

Al-Nassr, meanwhile, made just one signing, bringing in Portugal international Samu Costa from Mallorca for €22 million (SAR 96 million).