Sport

European clubs call offside as Saudi money inflates transfer merry-go-round

Chelsea have managed to comply with financial fair play rules by offloading players to the Middle East – but not everyone is happy with the result

Manchester City’s treble-winning winger Riyad Mahrez has agreed to join Neves at Al Ahli in a deal worth €35 million. Picture: Getty

The transfer window is in full swing, and with players leaving and joining clubs there has been one constant theme throughout since the window opened on July 1 – the Saudi Pro League.

The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) have an estimated £538 billion in assets and own four of the Saudi League clubs as well as Newcastle United.

They made a big statement with the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo to Al Nassr at the ...