Cristiano Ronaldo’s club is tied down by PIF approval, while Riyadh’s other giant is experiencing a historic period of signings
Who doesn’t remember the controversy involving Cristiano Ronaldo in February this year, when the Portuguese international reportedly went on “strike” at Al Nassr, refusing to play as a sign of dissatisfaction with the management of PIF, the Saudi Public Investment Fund, for allowing Benzema to move from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal?
The summer transfer window in Saudi Arabia, running from July 22 to September 6, highlights a stark contrast between Riyadh’s two biggest clubs.
On one side, Al Hilal is enjoying a historic period of recruitment. On the other, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr remains unable to make major moves due to financial difficulties. The difference is explained by the change in the ownership structure of the clubs.
Kingdom Holding Company, owned by Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, acquired 70% of Al Hilal for around €535.75 million. This change removed the club from the control of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), allowing it to make signings without the budget restrictions imposed by the Saudi league’s recruitment committee.
In contrast, Al Nassr remains owned by PIF and is therefore subject to strict financial controls and a pre-approved budget, which currently prevents significant activity in the transfer market.
Summerville could become the second most expensive signing ever
Even before the official opening of the transfer window, Al Hilal had already secured five local players: Mohammed Al-Owais, Mohammed Al-Sarnouk, Nawaf Al-Habashi, Abdullah Al-Anazi, and Sabri Dahl.
However, what is really shaking up the market is the imminent signing of Crysencio Summerville, the Dutch winger from West Ham.
According to journalist David Ornstein, the deal has been agreed for €80 million, which would make Summerville the second most expensive player in Saudi league history.
The fee would surpass the €77 million Al Nassr paid for Jhon Durán, but would still fall short of the €90 million Al Hilal invested in Neymar.
In addition to Summerville, Al Hilal has also been linked with players such as Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan) and Harry Kane (Bayern Munich).