This summer, Saudi Arabia is bringing in some of the most talented players in world football, with many players joining from major European leagues. The moves made by former Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo and former Real Madrid attacker Karim Benzema could mark the beginning of a new era in the Saudi league. However, a major unanswered question remains: why are Saudi leagues signing numerous top players from European leagues?

Sports analysts argue that the nation’s economy needs diversification as it heavily relies on oil sales for revenue. To achieve this, the nation’s sovereign wealth investment fund, the PIF, is being utilized. There is a particular interest in expanding the sports industry, including the football league, to develop a thriving leisure and entertainment sector. Saudi Arabia aims to capitalize on the significant interest in football among its population, which consists of 70% of individuals under the age of 40.

According to Sky Sports, Saudi Arabia had the most dedicated supporters at the Qatar World Cup last year, and their team even defeated the eventual winners, Argentina, in the group stages. Football enjoys immense popularity in Saudi Arabia, and investing in the sport is seen as a means to boost tourism.

Some notable names that have joined the Saudi leagues include Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United, Karim Benzema from Real Madrid, N’Golo Kanté from Chelsea, RúbenNeves from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Roberto Firmino from Liverpool, Edouard Mendy from Chelsea, Jota from Celtic, Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea, Marcelo Brozović from Inter Milan, and Sergej Milinković-Savić from Lazio. The transfer activity is expected to continue until the summer transfer window is closed.

The move of goalkeeper Andre Onana to the Premier League has been agreed upon by Manchester United and Inter Milan. Negotiating personal terms shouldn’t be difficult because the player is excited about the change. He is expected to play for Manchester United for a chunk of the tour, which ends on July 31.

It is clear that Ten Hag was keen on having Onana at the Theatre of Dreams after the Portuguese goalkeeper David De Gea left the club after twelve years. Erik ten Hag, Onana’sformer Ajax manager, spearheaded the pursuit for the 27-year-old player, and Onana made it obvious that he intends to transfer to Old Trafford and rejoin him.

With Rashford increasing his contract to 2028, Onana is expected to be unveiled anytime this week as the club also continues pursuing Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund.

The Premier League table is getting competitive and the games are coming in fast as teams eye the coveted trophy. This past weekend round 22 went down with matches being played across the United Kingdom.

In the Friday Night Football, Chelsea hosted Fulham at Stamford Bridge. The two had their chances throughout the game but non was able to make it count. The game ended in a 0-0 draw.

On Saturday 4 February, Log leaders, Arsenal traveled to Goodison Park to play Everton. The hosts were on the front foot from kick-off, launching several attacks against Arsenal. Eventually, their persistence paid off as they scored a goal through James Tarkowski. Arsenal went in search of an equalizer but Everton’s backline stayed strong to ensure victory for Sean Dyche’s first game in charge.

Later, Manchester United welcomed Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. United won the match 2-1 courtesy of goals by Fernandes and Rashford. Palace pulled one back after Casemiro was shown a straight red card through Jeffrey Schlupp.

On Sunday, Tottenham Hotspurs played host to Manchester City at the Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium. City missed the chance to cut Arsenal’s lead to two points as they were defeated 1-0. The goals was scored by Harry Kane.

Other results: Wolverhampton (3-0) Liverpool, Brighton(1-0) AFC Bournemouth, Brentford (3-0) Southampton, Aston Villa(2-4) Leicester City, Newcastle (1-1) West Ham United and Forest(1-0)Leeds United.

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