Saudi clubs have a new strategy: buy up France’s best young footballers

Guardian Sport

by Luke Entwistle

March 4, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Saudi Pro League clubs have turned their attention to young French footballers as part of a strategic move to sustain their league's appeal while avoiding the pitfalls that led to the decline of the Chinese Super League. By introducing an additional squad spot for foreign players under 21, Saudi clubs are now actively recruiting from Ligue 1 teams like Monaco, Rennes, Nantes, and Reims, which are struggling financially due to dwindling broadcast revenue. This shift reflects a new focus on developing talent rather than relying solely on high-profile transfers of established stars like Cristiano Ronaldo or Neymar. The financial crisis in French football has pushed clubs to sell their youngest and most promising players to Saudi buyers. The collapse of the broadcast rights market, with Dazn pulling out and BeIN Sports reducing its involvement, has left Ligue 1 clubs with significantly reduced revenue streams. Last season's €500m target for broadcast earnings fell short, and this year's total is expected to drop to just €270m. With even less money anticipated next season, clubs are under pressure to generate income elsewhere. Selling young players to Saudi Arabia has emerged as a lifeline, allowing them to cash in on the growing interest from Middle Eastern investors. This new strategy also aims to address concerns about the long-term sustainability of the Saudi Pro League. After the initial buzz created by signing top-tier players like Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté, there was a risk of viewer fatigue, similar to what happened with the Chinese Super League. By focusing on younger, less expensive talent, Saudi clubs hope to build a more sustainable model that avoids the pitfalls of relying solely on star signings. This approach could also help French players develop in elite environments while

Verticals

sports

Originally published on Guardian Sport on 3/4/2026