The Saudi Pro League has stunned and completely changed the dynamic of football this year after a dramatic transfer window saw countless stars from Europe of all ages move to Saudi Arabia.
From the likes of a 26-year-old like Ruben Neves refusing Champions League football, to the superstar figures of Neymar joining the league - we look at who could actually win the league title.
The biggest transfer window ever draws to a close 🔚A massive #RoshnSaudiLeague season lies ahead! 📈🍿#yallaRSL pic.twitter.com/uVmzZYLkBo— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) September 7, 2023
The biggest transfer window ever draws to a close 🔚A massive #RoshnSaudiLeague season lies ahead! 📈🍿#yallaRSL pic.twitter.com/uVmzZYLkBo
Heading into matchday six, it is Neymar, Neves and co. who lead the way at the top of the table after an unbeaten start.
Their incredible setup of players makes them arguably the best team in the league, as Neves sits in midfield with former Lazio man, Sergei Milinkovic-Savic and Malcom in attack.
However, former Premier League star, Aleksandar Mitrović, has also joined the club and scored a sensational hat-trick on his debut.
This is all without Neymar playing a game just yet.
A 4-3 loss recently to Mitrovic's Al-Hilal leaves Al-Ittihad down in third.
However, with an incredible midfield of N'Golo Kante and Fabinho with Karim Benzema up top, they are still a serious threat to this league title.
Benzema scored in that loss, and the likes of former Celtic star, Jota, and other names like Romarinho make up a great starting XI for the team.
The first side to make serious moves as a Saudi Pro League outfit was Al-Nassr, as they stunned football by bringing in the sport's biggest name, Cristiano Ronaldo.
As usual, he continues to score and is approaching his 27th goal in just 31 games.
Sadio Mane is also with them and alongside Aymeric Laporte, Alex Telles and Marcelo Brozovic, Al-Nassr has arguably the most well-balanced side compared to the likes of Al-Hilal, who merely have upgraded their attacking roles.
Under the guidance of Steven Gerrard, Al-Ettifaq have only brought in Jack Hendry, Jordan Henderson and Moussa Dembele this summer and are consequently likely to fall short in the title race.
Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, Franck Kessie, Merih Demiral, Allan Saint-Maximin, Gabri Veiga, Roger Ibanez and Edouard Mendy all joined Al-Ahli this summer and as a result, they are probably the most well-rounded team.
It’s hard not to pick Al-Hilal given their talent up top, although both Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli are no doubt more balanced with signings across midfield, defence and attack.
However, as Al-Hilal are unbeaten and top of the table even without Neymar’s addition to the squad, they will only get better and likely win the Saudi Pro League.