Last summer, many of them succumbed to the lure of the Saudi transfer window. Many players playing for the biggest clubs on the Old Continent thus chose to head to the Saudi Pro League. With finances boosted by the local government, Saudi clubs were able to offer salaries beyond the reach of European clubs to a large contingent of stars and relatively good players in Europe.
This summer again, many players will fly to Saudi Arabia. In France, Al-Shabab hopes to enlist Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, while Alexandre Lacazette has also had a Saudi offer. Elsewhere, Nacho has for example joined Al-Qadsiah, where Koen Casteels, the Belgian national team goalkeeper, has also signed. The club promoted to D1 and coached by Michel, the former OM player, then set its sights on Alvaro Morata.
Morata says no to huge amount of money
The operation was well advanced, and the Spanish media were convinced that he was going to leave Atlético de Madrid and continue his career in Saudi Arabia. However, as indicated Relevothe Roja striker changed his mind at the very last moment, then confirmed it via a publication on his Instagram account. A decision that has caused fury in Saudi Arabia.
Indeed, the management of Al-Qadsiah was taken by surprise by this change of mind of the player on Tuesday morning, while it was already preparing the drafting of the contract of the Spanish striker. Everything had been done for two weeks according to Relevo. It was a deal that could bring in, in total, more than 40 million euros to the player, and 15 million euros to Atlético. The player finally prioritized the family aspect by staying in Madrid, while Diego Simeone was also in favor of his continuity in the colchonero jersey. But there is no doubt that Al-Qadsiah will be able to fall back on something very heavy after this failure.
