00:00 When Saudi Arabia shocked people across the globe by defeating Argentina in FIFA World Cup group stages last year,
00:06 many thought it was an aberration.
00:08 But the kingdom is now determined to be a footballing superpower.
00:12 And for a start, it has set its sights on club football.
00:16 In June, the country's public investment fund acquired a majority ownership stake in four of the country's top football clubs,
00:25 including Cristiano Ronaldo's Alnasser.
00:28 Since then, there has been no looking back.
00:31 According to Deloitte, Saudi Pro League clubs have spent a total of 805 million euros on transfers so far.
00:38 The figure is expected to rise further before the country's transfer window closes on September 7.
00:44 In comparison, the English Premier League clubs, which are traditionally the highest spenders,
00:48 have spent 2.74 billion euros during this transfer window.
00:54 Europe has long been the coveted destination for upcoming football talent.
00:58 Smaller football leagues and clubs elsewhere have often gone for popular players in the twilight of their careers.
01:04 This has been a tried and tested move to gain a boost in popularity.
01:08 Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami in the US Major League Soccer and Ronaldo's to Alnasser is in line with this strategy.
01:15 But Saudis are now changing the game by taking a step back.
01:19 Consider the peak of a footballer's career.
01:23 Neymar, Alain Prince Maxima, Ruben Navis, Emeric Laporte, and Alexander Mitrovic
01:29 are some of the elite players who have chosen the country as their new home.
01:33 But why would anyone move to an obscure football league at the height of one's power?
01:39 Saudi clubs are offering astronomical bonuses to their players.
01:43 But not even the traditional elite clubs of the game can or are willing to match.
01:49 As per media reports, Ronaldo is earning €175 million per year,
01:54 Neymar €130 million, and Karim Benzema €86 million.
01:58 These salaries make Saudi Arabia an attractive destination for any footballer.
02:03 Saudi Arabia has already made its mark in golf.
02:07 We are referring to the merger of PGA Tour with rival LIB Golf, which is backed by the country's public investment fund.
02:14 Can the country now gain a major foothold in football?
02:18 Can it challenge established giants like EPL and Spain's La Liga in the long term?
02:23 Only time will tell.
02:25 Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
02:27 And for more, stay tuned to BPL.
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