When Cristiano Ronaldo swapped Manchester United for Al-Nassr in January 2023, many saw his move to Saudi Arabia as an anomaly; a veteran superstar off to play out his final days in a non-European league where he would be paid handsomely but not be competing at anywhere near the highest level.
The following summer, however, painted Ronaldo's move in a whole new light. With over 30 big names from across the European leagues having followed in his footsteps amid unprecedented spending from Middle Eastern clubs, the Pro League has become the fastest-growing competition in the sport, with this likely just the start of the project, too.
And while the various transfers generated plenty of headlines, the players involved have since had to get down to business and start producing the goods at their respective new teams. So as we enter the mid-season break, which players have lived up to their price tags, and who is struggling to adapt to their new environment?.
GOAL has rated and ranked every top Saudi Pro League signing from the summer of 2023 to find out...
Previous update: November 15, 2023.