Top five highly rated youngsters who moved to Saudi Pro League

One young talent even left the thrills of the Premier League to move to Saudi Arabia.

Over the last year, the Saudi Pro League has emerged as a financial superpower. As a result, top football stars have moved to the country. Whether it was aged legends, promising prospects or established stars in their prime, a variety of names playing in all sorts of positions made the switch. Saudi Arabia are currently pumping incomprehensible amounts of money into their football economy in a bid to simultaneously wrestle some power away from the European game and clean up their global image.

One of football’s greatest joys comes from watching the unearthing of the next superstars, witnessing the transformation from potential into promise. Many top young players have also decided to play for Saudi clubs. Here we will take a look at the top five highly rated youngsters who moved to the Saudi Pro League:

5. Ezequiel Fernández (Al Qadsiah)

An excellent ball-winner, the Argentine is a technically gifted, press-resistant player who flourishes with his ball manipulation and all-round intelligence. He is capable of carrying the ball with either foot and making a difference in every area of the pitch. He is a player who can thrive in the first or second phase of possession.

The player can operate as a deep-lying playmaker. Ezequiel Fernández can win the ball with intensity and aggression. He is the product of arguably Argentina’s greatest club, Boca Juniors. Everyone was left surprised when he moved to the Saudi Pro League.

4. Alexsander (Al Ahli)

He graduated from Fluminense and played for them for two seasons. During that period he made 48 appearances for the club. The 21-year-old midfielder also represented Brazil at U-20 level, and played eight matches for them.

A talented Brazilian with a BIG heart 💚💪Numbers and stats from Alexsander’s career 📊#BemVindoAlexsander pic.twitter.com/0WTflUd5gO

— Al-Ahli Saudi Club (@ALAHLI_FCEN) August 20, 2024

He joined the Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli in August 2024, and till now has played seven league fixtures in which he provided one assist. Alexsander does have a lot of potential and the club management also has huge expectations for him.

3. Gabri Veiga (Al Ahli)

Veiga progressed through Celta’s academy to establish himself as a first-team player. He is a right-footed midfielder who can play in central midfield as well as in attacking positions. He was wanted by many top European clubs like Napoli, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City but he decided to join Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli instead.

This was shocking news for many football fans. However, he admitted that it took some time for him to adapt to the new league. This season in 19 league games he has scored five goals and provided two assists.

2. Unai Hernandez (Al Ittihad)

The former Girona B and FC Barcelona B player recently joined the Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ittihad in the winter transfer window. He was the captain of the Catalonia side’s B team and not many people expected him to leave European football so early. He is a very quick and tricky player who is capable of making a difference on the pitch. With his signing, Al Ittihad got a top player who will surely help his team to improve.

1. Jhon Duran (Al Nassr)

Duran combines impressive physical strength with notable pace, making him formidable in the attacking third. His speed allows him to outrun defenders, while his strength helps him hold up play effectively. He has a good eye for goals and does not miss many chances to score.

Jhon Durán raising the temperature with his solo goal 🔥#football #SaudiProLeague #JhonDuran #AlNassr pic.twitter.com/cbHqxbvAUn

— Khel Now World Football (@KhelNowWF) February 14, 2025

Tactically, he needs to improve a bit although he was a key player for Aston Villa. Recently he decided to join Al Nassr for which Cristiano Ronaldo also plays. Fans were surprised with his decision and he also faced a lot of criticism for moving to the Saudi Pro League. But with his quality, he has already elevated Al Nassr’s level in the league.

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