Martinelli signing pushes Al Hilal's market value above 1 billion riyals

In this file photo, Sunderland’s Reinildo Mandava, left, and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli fight for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Sunderland in London, England. (AP)

RIYADH, Sept 5: Al Hilal has strengthened its position as Saudi Arabia’s most valuable club following the signing of Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal on a four-year deal.

The move, the most expensive transfer in the Saudi Pro League this summer, came only days after Al Hilal secured another high-profile signing in English striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa.

Martinelli’s arrival has lifted Al Hilal’s total squad market value to €239.8 million — more than one billion Saudi riyals — according to Transfermarkt.

The Brazilian is now among the club’s most valuable players, with a market value of €45 million, matching Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville.

Al Hilal leads the Saudi market-value rankings ahead of Al Ahli (€199.6 million), Al Qadsiah (€162 million), Al Ittihad (€147.6 million) and Al Nassr (€136.9 million).

On the pitch, Al Hilal maintained its perfect start to the Roshn Saudi Pro League with a 2-0 victory away to Al Shabab. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic broke the deadlock early in the second half before Ruben Neves sealed the win from the penalty spot late on.

The match marked Martinelli’s debut following his move from Arsenal earlier this week. Al Hilal remains top of the table with 15 points from five victories, while Al Shabab sits 13th with three points from three draws.

Al Ahli also bounced back from consecutive defeats with a commanding 5-0 win over Al Riyadh. The result moved Al Ahli into fourth place with nine points, while Al Riyadh remains 12th on four points.