![[Explainer]: Why Saudi Arabia is buying football's biggest stars](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/06062023/2327d952-2536-46ad-91ff-ec41cf36e378.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
With high-profile players like Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva, Edouard Mendy, Romelu Lukaku, Kalidou Koulibaly, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Hakim Ziyech being linked with moves to the Saudi Pro League, it is clear that Saudi Arabia means business.
Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in the summer transfer window.
With high-profile players like Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva, Edouard Mendy, Romelu Lukaku, Kalidou Koulibaly, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Hakim Ziyech being linked with moves to the Saudi Pro League, it is clear that Saudi Arabia means business.
Here is why Saudi Arabia's pursuit of football's biggest stars is a hot item.
Making Saudi Pro League great
Since the acquisition of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United following the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the Saudi Pro League has witnessed a surge in publicity and global interest.
According to The National, Saudi Arabia aims to establish its football league as one of the most popular in the world and believes that recruiting top football stars will help bridge the gap between the Arab world and European standards.
"The idea is for Saudi Arabia to possess a highly competitive, high-quality league, propelling it into the top 10 in the world," The National stated
"Currently, the Pro League is rated 58th in terms of quality, below the Scottish Premiership and above Italy's third tier, Serie C," The National added.
Sky Sports News also reports that Saudi Arabia envisions having 100 of the best foreign players in its league within the next five years.
Diversifying the Economy
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Seeking to move beyond its reliance on the oil industry, Saudi Arabia sees leisure and sports as integral components of its economic future.
"Saudi Arabia is looking to expand its economy through other industries to help guarantee its financial future," Sky News once reported.
"The country is reliant on selling money through oil - that will not last forever, and they need to diversify their economy," Sky News added.
The country believes that a vibrant football league featuring world-renowned stars like Ronaldo and Benzema will boost tourism and secure lucrative viewership rights for league games.
FIFA World Cup 2030
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Reports suggest that Saudi Arabia harbours a long-standing ambition to host the FIFA World Cup, with a bid for the 2030 tournament in the works.
Talks have allegedly been held with Egypt and Greece for a joint bid, demonstrating Saudi Arabia's determination to emulate Qatar.
"They already have the AFC Asian Cup lined up for 2027, but Saudi's interest in the next World Cup after 2026 could include one or more co-hosts with Morocco, Egypt and Italy linked in the past and Egypt as well as Greece more recently," CBS Sport reported.
Building a strong national team
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Drawing inspiration from the successes and lessons of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Saudi Arabia is eager to enhance its football standards in preparation for a future World Cup bid.
According to CBS Sport, Saudi Arabia aims to win the Asian Cup on home soil and then strengthen the squad for the World Cup.
"The aim in the next few years will be to build on that base and to be even more competitive come 2026 and potentially to win the Asian title on home soil in 2027," CBS Sport states.
Promoting a Positive Image
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Critics argue that Saudi Arabia's substantial investment in football serves as a means to improve its international image. The country has faced criticism for its treatment of women.
Hosting major sporting events such as the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, World Title boxing bouts, and Formula One has already contributed to reshaping international perceptions, with football being regarded as the pinnacle of this transformation.
"As well as being used for sports washing, investing in football can also buy influence and prestige around the world and project soft power," Sky Sports argued.
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