Bruno, Theo, others: Why players reject Al-Hilal, Saudi Pro League

As the summer transfer window heats up, Al-Hilal, one of Saudi Arabia’s football powerhouses backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), continues to face a surprising wave of rejections from high-profile players. Despite offering huge salaries, sometimes exceeding €40 million per year and the promise of a starring role in the ambitious Saudi Pro League, stars like Bruno Fernandes, Theo Hernandez, and Victor Osimhen have opted to stay in Europe or explore other options. This trend challenges the narrative of Saudi Arabia’s football revolution, which began with the 2023 influx of talents like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar. This piece is set to explore the reasons behind these rejections, from competitive aspirations and legacy concerns to lifestyle preferences and ethical considerations.

The struggle between financial benefits and competitive football

To begin properly, Al-Hilal’s financial muscle has been a cornerstone of their transfer strategy, with offers far above European wages. Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United’s captain, recently turned down a deal that would have tripled his £350,000-per-week salary to around £565,000 per week, alongside an £80-100 million transfer fee from United. Yet, Fernandes chose his desire to stay at the highest level and compete in big competitions.

This reflects a broader trend among players in their prime, who prioritize the prestige of the Champions League and Premier League over the SPL’s financial gains. Theo Hernandez, the AC Milan full-back, also rejected Al-Hilal’s increased bid, reportedly valuing his role in Serie A over a lucrative move. For players like these, the competitive challenge of European football, where they can test themselves against the world’s best outweighs the monetary gain, especially when their current clubs offer stability and ambition.

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The Legacies in European competitions and career longevity

Legacy is a driving force for players rejecting SPL offers. Victor Osimhen, who was all fire for Galatasaray, faces a €120 million three-year deal from Al-Hilal, yet his hesitation hints at a desire to make a name among Europe’s elite. A move to Saudi Arabia, while financially rewarding, risks diminishing his visibility in the Champions League or any European League, where he could challenge for the Ballon d’Or. The example of Gabri Veiga, whose €30 million move to Al-Ahli at 20 drew criticism from Toni Kroos as “embarrassing,” underscores this concern. Veiga’s disappearance from Spain’s national team radar after the Euro 2024 triumph serves as a cautionary tale for young stars like Osimhen, who see Europe as the path to lasting greatness.

Conflict with player’s lifestyle and cultural adjustments

Beyond football, lifestyle plays a significant role. The SPL’s location in Saudi Arabia, with its strict laws and cultural differences, poses challenges for players accustomed to Europe’s cosmopolitan cities. Jordan Henderson’s swift exit from Al-Ettifaq in January 2024 after six months amid criticism for his initial move due to his LGBTQ+ advocacy showed the difficulty of adapting, suggesting players feel they’re “wasting the remaining years of their prime” in a less competitive environment. For families with children in European schools or partners with established careers, the trouble of relocating to Riyadh or Jeddah can be a deterrent, especially when European clubs offer comparable comforts without the cultural shift.

Saudi ethical concerns and players’ reputation

Ethical reservations also loom large. The SPL’s rapid rise, fueled by PIF’s €1 billion spending spree in 2023, has been labeled “sportswashing” by human rights activists, a charge Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has dismissed. Players like Lionel Messi, who rejected a €400 million annual offer from Al-Hilal in 2023 for Inter Miami, and Kylian Mbappe, who turned down a €300 million bid, have faced scrutiny over aligning with a league tied to a nation criticized for its human rights record. While not all rejections stem from moral grounds, some players may quietly factor in public perception, especially those with strong fan bases or sponsorship deals sensitive to ethical branding.

The Saudi Project’s is changing

Al-Hilal’s repeated rejections signal a shift in the SPL’s appeal. Initially, the league attracted ageing stars like Ronaldo (38) and Benzema (36) or players past their peak, such as Ivan Toney (29) and Aleksandar Mitrovic (30). However, the failure to lure prime-age talents like Fernandes, Hernandez, and Osimhen indicates an end to the “money talks” strategy. Neymar’s early exit after a €90 million transfer and just seven games, citing injury and dissatisfaction, further undermines the league’s stability. With market values plummeting like Joao Cancelo who dropped from €70 million to €18 million. Players recognize that a Saudi move can stall their European return, as no club has paid significant fees for SPL talent.

Conclusion

The rejections of Al-Hilal deals by players like Bruno Fernandes, Theo Hernandez, and Victor Osimhen reveal a complexities of competitive ambition, legacy concerns, lifestyle preferences, and ethical considerations. While the SPL offers unparalleled financial rewards and a platform like the FIFA Club World Cup, it struggles to match the prestige, competition, and cultural familiarity of Europe. For players in their prime, the risk of diminishing their career record or tarnishing their reputation is more than the short-term financial gains. As Saudi Arabia refines its football project, the question remains whether it can overcome these hurdles to attract the next generation of stars or if it will remain a destination for those who are in the twilight of their careers. For now, the allure of Europe’s battlegrounds continues to hold advantage, leaving Al-Hilal’s money searching for other players.