FIFA's transfer report shows that Saudi soccer clubs spent $407 million on international transfers this summer, their lowest total since 2023. The average fees for player transfers have fallen by a third since then, from $1.2 million to around $800,000. Saudi Arabia still ranked seventh globally in terms of spending despite the decrease. This shift is attributed to new guidelines issued in July that instructed clubs to buy within their means and sell players before acquiring new talent.
Written by the local model on 2026-09-08,
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Story summary
Saudi soccer clubs spent a total of $407 million on international transfers this summer, which is their lowest total since 2023. Despite signing more players, the deals were not as extravagant as in previous years, with many opting for undervalued European stars rather than marquee signings. This shift reflects a new approach by the clubs to spend within their means and be more prudent in their acquisitions. The team Al Hilal, which is majority-owned by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal's Kingdom Holding, accounted for 42% of the spending. On the other hand, player sales reached a record high of $105 million.
Written for “Saudi Soccer Financial Cuts” on 2026-09-08,
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Leaning score -0.35 for article 7043 (high confidence, 1 verified quote) · logged 2026-09-08
Saudi soccer clubs spent $407 million on international transfers this summer, their lowest total since the 2023 buying spree that aimed to boost its international cachet, according to FIFA’s transfer report.
uncertain
that → spend → report
Clubs signed more players this year, but downgraded from the marquee deals that have come to define the league in favor of undervalued European stars such as Gabriel Martinelli, Crysencio Summerville, and Ollie Watkins, who all joined Al Hilal.
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who → sign → Hilal
The team, majority-owned by billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s Kingdom Holding, accounted for 42% of the spending.
asserted
team → own → spending
Average fees have fallen by a third since 2023, while player sales hit a record $105 million.
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sales → fall → record
Saudi Arabia still ranked seventh globally for spending.
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Arabia → rank → spending
The shift reflects the discipline Semafor’s Adrian Elimian reported in July, where clubs were told to buy within their means and sell before they spend more on new talent.
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they → reflect → talent
