According to Arab media, the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) is seeking investors to transfer ownership of four major clubs: Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli. These teams were acquired by the PIF in 2023, with the fund holding a 75% stake, while the Ministry of Sport manages the remaining 25%.

Ronaldo (left) and Al Nassr President Abdullah Al-Majed during the contract extension announcement on 26/6. _Photo: Al Nassr_

This move marks a significant shift. After the PIF takeover, the Saudi Pro League embarked on a spending spree, attracting stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema, with a total expenditure of nearly 1 billion USD during the 2023 summer transfer window.

The PIF's initial investment in the four major clubs, along with the massive spending in the transfer market, aimed to demonstrate Saudi Arabia's commitment to developing its national league, aligning with the Vision 2030 national strategy.

Saudi Arabian media reports indicate that the new plan includes transferring the 25% stake currently held by the Ministry of Sport. The race to acquire Al Hilal has begun, with billionaire Al Waleed bin Talal considered the leading contender, ahead of Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad, the former owner of Sheffield United.

Al Waleed is currently listed as a "golden member" of Al-Hilal—a title reserved for individuals who make substantial financial contributions and are granted the right to participate in key club decisions. In 2023, he used his Boeing 747 to welcome Neymar to Saudi Arabia.

Despite the new focus on fiscal responsibility, the four major clubs continued to spend significantly during the 2025 summer transfer window. Al Hilal spent approximately 97 million USD to acquire Darwin Nunez from Liverpool and Theo Hernandez from AC Milan. Al Nassr signed Joao Felix (57 million USD from Chelsea) and Kingsley Coman (32 million USD from Bayern Munich), while also extending Ronaldo's contract for two years at a value of 676 million USD.

Al Ahli paid 34 million USD for Enzo Millot from Stuttgart, while Al Ittihad spent 24 million USD on new players. Compared to the substantial spending spree of the 2023 summer, where the total expenditure neared 953 million USD, this summer's spending is considered a "slowdown."

Kingsley Coman's debut with Al Nassr on 15/8. _Photo: Al Nassr_

The plan to sell the four major clubs is part of the football privatization roadmap that Saudi Arabia publicly announced last year. Last month, the Ministry of Sport confirmed the completion of the transfer of three clubs. Al Kholood became the first team sold to a foreign investor: the US-based Harburg group, headed by Ben Harburg. After the acquisition, Harburg changed the logo and appointed Des Buckingham, the former Oxford United manager, as the new head coach.

Meanwhile, Al Zulfi and Al Ansar were sold to domestic groups. Recently, the Ministry of Sport also announced an invitation for investment in two other Pro League clubs, Al Najma and Al Okhdood, marking the next step in the second phase of the privatization project.

Hong Duy (_via Daily Mail_)