Millot's Transfer Decision and Undav's Opinion Regarding Saudi Arabia
In the world of football, Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming an attractive destination for top players. The allure of high salaries, a competitive league, and a growing global profile are drawing stars such as Enzo Millot to the Kingdom.
Recent signings in the Saudi Pro League include footballing greats like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Riyad Mahrez, Theo Hernandez, and Darwin Nunez, demonstrating that the league is not just attracting aging stars but world-class talent at the peak of their careers. Clubs are willing to pay record fees and offer lucrative contracts, making it financially appealing for players.
The Saudi Pro League is dynamic and competitive, with clubs making strategic signings to elevate its quality and competitiveness. For instance, Al Qadsiah paid a record fee for Serie A top scorer Mateo Retegui in 2025, a move that underscores the league’s ambition. The presence of celebrated footballers and coaches, such as Neymar and Jorge Jesus at Al-Hilal, points to a high standard of play and professional development.
Saudi Arabia's focus on football development is evident in its expansion of domestic competitions. The Saudi Super Cup, for example, has been increased to a four-team format, fostering an environment of intensified competition among its best clubs. The league and its clubs are hosting prestigious events, including the Saudi Super Cup internationally in Hong Kong in 2025, to boost global visibility and cultural exchange, reflecting a long-term strategic plan for football growth and international influence.
The Kingdom combines football development with broader cultural and tourism initiatives, promoting itself as a vibrant destination with rich heritage and luxury experiences. This integrated approach supports the league's and country’s international appeal, attracting players and fans alike.
While players like Enzo Millot are making the move to Saudi Arabia, others, such as Deniz Undav, have not expressed an immediate interest. Undav, who is currently playing for VfB Stuttgart, has stated that his goal remains to stay in Europe. The financial benefits of Millot's move to Saudi Arabia are evident, with VfB Stuttgart set to receive a substantial sum from the transfer. Millot signed a three-year contract with Al-Ahli, a move that is expected to earn him significantly more than his previous stint at a German cup winner.
Despite the financial incentives, Undav believes that Millot is still young and can return to play in Europe in three years. Undav views Millot's move as a "good step" for the 23-year-old, and he does not understand the controversy surrounding the move to Saudi Arabia. The revenue generated from Millot's transfer could potentially impact VfB Stuttgart's financial situation, providing a boost as they continue to compete in European football.
In summary, Saudi Arabia's appeal to football talents stems from financial incentives, competitive ambition, and a rising international profile. Its football development is marked by investment in player quality, league competitiveness, expanded formats, and global outreach, positioning Saudi Arabia as a flourishing football hub rather than a lesser option for players.
The footballing world sees Saudi Arabia as a promising destination for both veteran and peak-performance players, as exemplified by recent acquisitions like Cristiano Ronaldo and Mateo Retegui. Meanwhile, some players, such as Deniz Undav, prefer to remain in Europe for now, although moves to countries like Saudi Arabia can offer substantial financial benefits, as demonstrated by Enzo Millot's contract with Al-Ahli.
