Saudi Pro League January Review: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Milestones, Marcus Rashford’s Decision, and Al Hilal’s Dominance
The Saudi Pro League continues to offer fans excitement and plenty of drama both on and off the pitch. From Cristiano Ronaldo’s milestones to Al Hilal’s duel with Al Ittihad for the top of the league, there’s plenty of action in the SPL. Here are the key events that shaped the league in the last month.
Al Hilal’s Dominance
Al Hilal have been a revelation in the SPL in the last 18 months after finishing unbeaten and starting off the current season on a positive note. A resurgent Al Ittihad is making sure the path to league victory isn’t so easy for Al Hilal this time around.
After a comprehensive 5-0 victory against Al Orobah, Al Hilal returned to the summit of the league, having been in 2nd place for three consecutive match days. However, they’re only leading on goal difference with +25 compared to Al Ittihad’s +23. Both teams are level on 37 points.
Kyle Walker Manchester City Exit
With issues on the domestic front, Manchester City’s right-back Kyle Walker asked to leave his club during the January transfer window. This led to several Saudi Pro League clubs reaching out to Walker’s representatives to explore the possibility of a deal.
However, it looks like the Englishman will not join former teammates Riyad Mahrez and Joao Cancelo in Saudi Arabia. With his focus on resolving his marital issues, Walker is prioritizing a move to AC Milan. He reportedly turned down an offer from an unnamed SPL side that offered £400,000 a week.
The three Saudi clubs that were interested in him are suspected to be Al Nassr, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad/ They will need to explore moves for other targets.
Marcus Rashford’s Decision
The main story coming out of the nascent reign of Ruben Amorin at Manchester United has been the future of Marcus Rashford and his high-profile links to the SPL clubs.
However, in the last month, the England international has turned down three lucrative offers from Saudi Pro League sides worth up to £35 million annually.
Despite these mega offers, Rashford, who will turn 28 in October, believes he still has much to offer at the top level and does not wish to move to the SPL at this point. The Man United forward is prioritizing a move that aligns with his career goals ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Casemiro’s Potential Move
Another Manchester player, Casemiro, has recently been in the headlines in connection with the Saudi Pro League.
The Brazilian midfielder has attracted interest from the SPL once again, with reports suggesting that he could be available for around £23 million. Clubs, such as Al Nassr, have been reportedly keen on signing the former Real Madrid midfielder.
Reports have indicated that the 32-year-old is open to leaving Manchester United during the current transfer window after losing his starting role under Amorim. News also reveals that Cristiano Ronaldo, who is at Al Nassr, is encouraging the pursuit of Casemiro, aiming for a reunion with his former teammate.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Milestones
Cristiano Ronaldo has continued his stunning impact on the Saudi Pro League and the footballing world, extending his influence into 2025.
The Portuguese scored his first goal of the year on January 10th by converting a penalty in Al Nassr’s 3-1 triumph over Al Okhdood. This was his 11th net of the season, placing him second in the topscorer log in the SPL, just one goal behind Al Hilal’s Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Reports in the last month have also shown that Ronaldo has accepted an offer to extend his contract with Al Nassr until June 2026.
The new agreement will earn Ronaldo over €200 million. The mooted extension would keep him at Al Nassr until his 41st birthday. It will allow him to continue his career potentially through the 2026 World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo has amassed impressive statistics at Al Nassr. So far, he has 75 goals and 18 assists in 84 outings. However, this individual success has translated to just one title with the club, the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup.
While these achievements highlight Ronaldo’s impact on the SPL, they also underscore the competitiveness of the league and continue to inspire his hunger for more success.
Record-Breaking Performances
Ivan Toney has been a bright spot for Al Ahli and the Saudi Pro League in the last month. The former Brentford striker broke a record as the club prevailed in a five-goal thriller against Al Shabab in his debut under new coach Terim. Toney scored a header just 42 seconds into the match, marking the fastest goal in the Saudi Pro League this season.
He continues to be a significant presence for Al Ahli and the SPL, a feature of the league’s continued growth in quality and competitiveness.
League Standings
Al Hilal leads the table with 37 points from 14 outings. Al Ittihad also have 37 points and sit second on goal difference. This is shaping to be a two-horse race between these rivals.
The two sides have been heads and shoulders better than the rest. Al Nassr are hovering 9 points behind the leaders, level on points with Al Qadsiah on 28 points. Al Ahli, in fifth, have collected 26 points after 14 matches.
It’s been an exciting month in the SPL, with considerable drama and standout performances. As the league approaches the halfway point, there are two clear title contenders, Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, with three teams fighting for third place. Al Nassr (28 points), Al Qadsiah (28 points), and Al Ahli (26 points).
The league is poised for another exciting month.
