Top 10 players who left Saudi Pro League to return to Europe ft. Aymeric Laporte

Several big names have recently ditched the Saudi Pro League.

The Saudi Pro League has continued to grow into one of the biggest football leagues outside Europe. Even in the ongoing summer window, some big names have moved to the kingdom. Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders is one of the latest superstars to join the league.

However, while many big players have joined the SPL for the incredible money on offer, many players have also jumped ship. Some have left their big contracts behind and returned to play for European clubs.

Often, this decision is sparked by a willingness to play in more competitive leagues or return to familiar surroundings. Some players have also returned to Europe after failing to acclimatise to the Saudi environment.

Also Read: Where and how to watch Saudi Pro League 2026-27 in India?

Top 10 footballers who returned to Europe from the Saudi Pro League

Sl No.	Player	Club
1	Jordan Henderson	Al-Ettifaq
2	Seko Fofana	Al-Nassr
3	Aymeric Laporte	Al-Nassr
4	Talisca	Al-Nassr
5	Jota	Al-Ittihad
6	Gabri Veiga	Al-Ahli
7	Jhon Duran	Al-Nassr
8	N’Golo Kante	Al-Ittihad
9	Juanmi	Al-Riyadh
10	Equi Fernandez	Al-Qadsiah

1. Jordan Henderson

Henderson’s switch from Liverpool to Al-Ettifaq was one of the most controversial transfers in recent memory. The England midfielder is an outspoken supporter of LGBT issues. So his move to the Saudi Pro League – a country with one of the worst gay-rights records – sparked a backlash from the Reds faithful.

Henderson lasted just six months at Al-Ettifaq before terminating his contract and signing for AFC Ajax. He currently plays for Chelsea in the Premier League.

2. Seko Fofana

Having long been tipped for a move to one of the big teams during his time at RC Lens, Ivory Coast international Fofana instead sealed a €25 million move to Al-Nassr in 2023. However, he failed to nail down a starting spot. He was sent on loan to Al-Ettifaq after just six months.

After one and a half years with Steven Gerrard’s side, he was deemed surplus to requirements. He was sent back to Ligue 1 side Rennes.

3. Aymeric Laporte

Laporte’s signing was a big coup for Al-Nassr. The French-born defender was an established starter for the Spanish national team. Having fallen down the pecking order at Manchester City, he moved to Riyadh for £23.6 million.

He spent two seasons with the club, making 69 appearances. However, he later revealed that he quickly became disillusioned with life in Saudi Arabia after his first season. He eventually returned to his boyhood club, Athletic Club.

4. Talisca

Talisca made his name as an attacking midfielder during his time at SL Benfica, enjoying a brilliant season on loan at Besiktas in 2018. However, he jumped on the Chinese bandwagon, moving to Guangzhou Evergrande, initially on loan and then permanently. He then moved to Al-Nassr in 2021.

All this to become one of the league’s first major signings. He quickly became a fan favourite. However, he was eventually pushed out after the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo.

5. Jota

Former Benfica youth player Jota became a rising star at Celtic, helping the Scottish side win a domestic treble in the 2022-23 season. However, instead of moving to a bigger club in Europe, the Portuguese winger sealed a £25 million transfer to Al-Ittihad. However, the transfer soon turned into a farce.

Jota was left out of Al-Ittihad’s squad registration by head coach Nuno Espirito Santo. After just 17 appearances in one season, he returned to Rennes. He is now rebuilding his career at Celtic.

6. Gabri Veiga

Veiga became one of the most sought-after young players in the world during his time at Celta Vigo. His €40 million transfer to Al-Ahli sent shockwaves through Europe. Toni Kroos famously called it “embarrassing.”

Veiga was largely successful in Saudi Arabia, helping his side win the AFC Champions League Elite in 2025. He departed for FC Porto soon after for €15 million.

7. Jhon Duran

Duran had become one of the most lethal impact substitutes for Aston Villa. But the Colombian wanted to play first-team football instead of playing second fiddle to Ollie Watkins. In 2025, he sealed a move to Al-Nassr for an initial fee of £64 million.

He scored eight goals in 13 matches. But he reportedly wanted to leave for European football, forcing the club to loan him to Fenerbahçe after just six months. He is currently on loan at Benfica.

8. N’Golo Kante

Having won several major honours over seven seasons at Chelsea, Kante signed for Al-Ittihad. He was phenomenal during his time in Saudi Arabia, making 79 appearances. He helped his side win the domestic double during the 2024-25 season.

However, he wanted to make the France squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026. He then signed for Turkey’s Fenerbahçe in February 2026.

9. Juanmi

LaLiga veteran Juanmi spent six seasons at Real Betis. But having lost his starting spot, he wanted a new challenge. He joined Al-Riyadh on a season-long loan.

However, he had a torrid time, enduring an eight-month goal drought. He ended the spell with just one goal in 16 matches. He soon returned to Spain, signing on a temporary deal with Cadiz.

He currently plays for Getafe.

10. Equi Fernandez

Equi Fernandez became one of the most exciting midfield prospects in Argentina during his time at Boca Juniors. However, in 2024, he sealed a surprise move to Al-Qadsiah. He became an important part of the Saudi team, making 32 appearances.

However, Bayer Leverkusen came calling in 2024. Fernandez quickly moved to the Bundesliga.

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