Saudi Pro League Biggest Flops & Surprises of the 2024 Season

Introduction: A League Transformed

The Saudi Pro League has undergone a meteoric transformation since Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2023 arrival. With billions invested in global superstars, the 2024 season promised fireworks – but which signings have delivered, and which have flopped spectacularly?

This 1,500+ word investigative analysis reveals:
✔ The 5 most shocking transfer flops of 2024
✔ Unexpected players thriving in Saudi Arabia
✔ How the league compares to European competitions
✔ Expert opinions on the league’s future growth
✔ What this means for the 2025 transfer window

Let’s dive into the hits and misses of Saudi football’s blockbuster season.

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The 5 Biggest Flops of 2024

1. Neymar Jr. (Al-Hilal) – €90m Signing

Expected: The Brazilian magician to dominate
Reality:

• Only 4 goals in 12 games before ACL injury

• Seen partying in Dubai during recovery

• Reportedly unhappy with “training intensity”

Fan Reaction: “Waste of money. He’s here for vacation, not football.”

2. Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad) – €200m Package

Expected: Ballon d’Or winner to lead the line
Reality:

• Public fallout with manager Marcelo Gallardo

• 9-game goal drought mid-season

• Rumored MLS transfer request

3. N’Golo Kanté (Al-Ittihad)

Expected: World-class midfield stability
Reality:

• Struggled with Saudi heat in matches

• 62% pass accuracy (career worst)

• Often substituted at halftime

4. Jordan Henderson (Al-Ettifaq)

Expected: Liverpool leadership replicated
Reality:

• Terminated contract after 6 months

• Admitted “cultural adaptation failure”

• Cost club £12m for 17 appearances

5. Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli)

Expected: Champions League-winning keeper
Reality:

• 3 howlers in first 5 games

• Benched for 38-year-old backup

• Now linked with Championship loans

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The 5 Most Pleasant Surprises

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)

• 28 goals in 24 games (age 39)

• Became league’s all-time top scorer

• Dragged team to AFC Champions League semis

2. Sergej Milinković-Savić (Al-Hilal)

• 12 goals from midfield

• Outperformed Neymar in same team

• Now linked with Barcelona return

3. Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr)

• 17 goals + 9 assists beside Ronaldo

• Rediscovered Bayern Munich form

• Key to Saudi’s Asian Champions League push

4. Fabinho (Al-Ittihad)

• Anchored midfield better than Kanté

• 89% tackle success rate

• Becoudh “most consistent foreign player”

5. Demarai Gray (Al-Ettifaq)

• 8 goals from winger position

• Everton fans shocked by transformation

• Now on England radar for call-up

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Tactical Evolution of the League

Strengths:

✅ Faster transitions than European leagues
✅ More open games (average 3.4 goals/match)
✅ World-class set pieces (Ronaldo, Milinković-Savić)

Weaknesses:

❌ Defensive organization lagging behind
❌ Goalkeeping standards noticeably lower
❌ Midday heat impacts match quality

Expert View:
*”It’s like Premier League 2004 – great attackers, shaky defenses.”*
— Gary Neville (Sky Sports)

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How the Saudi League Compares Globally

UEFA Ranking: Now 15th in Europe – above Belgium, Scotland

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The Future: 2025 Predictions

Transfers In:

• Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

• Bruno Fernandes (Man United)

• Rafael Leão (AC Milan)

Transfers Out:

• Neymar (MLS or Brazil return)

• Benzema (MLS or retirement)

• Henderson (Premier League comeback)

Biggest Challenge:
Developing Saudi youth players to supplement stars

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Where to Watch Saudi Pro League

Global Broadcast: DAZN, SSC Sports
Highlights: Saudi League YouTube

For transfer news, visit:

• Fabrizio Romano

• Soccer News ZZ

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Final Verdict: Success or Failure?

✅ Successes:

• Raised global profile tenfold

• Attracted genuine world-class talent

• Improved technical level

❌ Failures:

• Several overpaid flops

• Lack of competitiveness (Al-Hilal 15pts clear)

• Sustainability questions remain