Over the last quarter-century, the Saudi Pro League made international headlines by acquiring some of the biggest names in football. While many believed it to be a retirement home for players, quite a surprising number of players took the transfer to Saudi Arabia in the middle of their peak years. These are players who still had something to give in Europe’s major leagues but chose another path. Here is a compilation of six stars who left for Saudi Arabia during their prime. Whether their decisions were for ambition, lifestyle, or finance, they have created a much more vibrant football environment that is now changing at an exponential rate. For fans following the careers of these players alongside the ever-rising influence of the Saudi league, Betway sports betting offers tips, odds, and updates on global competitions perfect ticker to follow the action wherever it unfolds. 1. Ruben Neves (Age 26, Wolverhampton Wanderers to Al-Hilal) Neves was one of the shock departures for Al-Hilal in 2023. Still only 26, a mature midfielder from Portugal, Neves had been linked with Champions League sides, including Barcelona and Arsenal. Long-range strikes and leadership are a good description of Neves, who was also a Wolves captain, considered one of the best in the Premier League. The move, reported to be around €55 million, no doubt set the stage for some other unexpected transfers going forward. 2. Sergej Milinković-Savić (Age 28, Lazio to Al-Hilal) After being a maestro for the Lazio midfield for nearly 10 years, Milinković-Savić seemingly gave Saudis the go-ahead over a switch to one of the big-five leagues that were expected. Bright in strength and technique and great in box-to-box movement, the Serbian was at the very heart of several transfer conversations that involved Manchester United and PSG. At 28, therefore, an exit was not about winding down; it was rather about looking for something new, albeit outside Europe. 3. Aleksandar Mitrović (Age 28, Fulham to Al-Hilal) After having a career-best Premier League season in 2022-23, Mitrović stunned Fulham supporters by engineering a transfer to Al-Hilal. The Serbian striker had scored 14 goals in a very physical league that perfectly suited his style. At 28 years-while most expected a transfer to a European giant-he was taken in by Saudi Arabia’s forceful recruiting drive. 4. Fabinho (Age 29, Liverpool to Al-Ittihad) Fabinho, the defensive midfielder at Liverpool, left Anfield in 2023 after five successful seasons that included Premier League and Champions League titles. Fabinho’s departure at 29 seemed quite a curious one, given that he remained steady even throughout the years. While the Reds underwent a reshuffling of their midfield, Fabinho was drawing interest from other top European clubs. His exit has become the symbol of the Saudi league, now having the power to lure players in the prime of their careers. 5. Gabri Veiga (Age 21, Celta Vigo to Al-Ahli) Perhaps the most puzzling move was made by Gabri Veiga. The 21-year-old Spaniard had just burst upon the scene in La Liga with Celta Vigo and was being aggressively pursued by Liverpool, Napoli, and Chelsea. One thing was sure: that decision shocked the fans into the belief that he had chosen to join Al-Ahli. Critics said it was premature and argued on the notion that perhaps Veiga would do better development-wise in Saudi Arabia. But Veiga saw risk as an opportunity.