Reijnders, Spertsyan, Trezeguet, Mugisha: One standout summer signing from ALL 18 RSL clubs
Each year, the summer transfer market generates endless interest and even more column inches, as players the world over make the move to the Roshn Saudi League.
In turn, it opens new markets and fresh interest in all corners of the globe.
So, with the window closing earlier this week (check out all comings and goings in our dedicated hub), we look at one headline signing for each club - and why RSL fans should be paying particular attention to them.
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Abha - Michy Batshuayi
Abha aren’t perhaps traditionally associated with big-name moves, but they made headlines with this signing of former Belgium international and English Premier League winner. Still only 32, the colourful Batshuayi is a proven goalscorer and will provide as much entertainment off the pitch as he does on it.
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Al Ahli - Eduard Spertsyan
The hughely talented Armenian was reportedly on Al Ahli’s radar for several years and, even early in the season, it’s easy to see why. While the back-to-back Asian champions have had a rough run recently, with three defeats in five matches, Spertsyan has been a standout – his tally already reads two goals and two assists.
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Al Ettifaq - Jordan Larsson
After the departure of Georginio Wijnaldum, Al Ettifaq needed a goalscorer to fill the void, and the son of the legendary Henrik Larsson is thought to be just that man. Fresh off 13 goals for Denmark’s Copenhagen in a title-winning season, and with the equaliser in *that* incredible Eastern Derby clash at Al Qadsiah, there are big hopes for the Swedish international.
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Al Faisaly - Theo Bongonda
Arriving off the back of a 2026 FIFA World Cup with DR Congo, which included featuring in the Round of 32 against England, the exciting winger is a shrewd signing for the newly promoted outfit.
Bongonda adds a spark to Al Faisaly’s attack as they look to survive their first season back in the top flight since 2022. His goal on debut at Al Hilal said as much.
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Al Fateh - Lukas Haraslin
Al Fateh have a history of unearthing exciting recruits, and Haraslin could be exactly that this season. The winger lands from Czechia’s Sparta Prague, where he scored double figures in each of the past three seasons. Only weeks ago, he played in a UEFA Champions League qualifier against Olympique Lyon.
Not long after, Haraslin was getting off the mark for Al Fateh, opening the scoring at Al Faisaly.
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Al Fayha - Paulo Oliveira
After conceding 54 goals last season, Al Fayha most certainly needed defensive reinforcements. The 34-year-old Paulo Oliveira delivers that, with extensive experience across both Spain and Portugal, which includes contesting the UEFA Europa League for SC Braga in recent seasons.
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Al Hazem - Bonheur Mugisha
The Rwandan made history with his signing for Al Hazem, becoming the first player from the African nation to feature in the RSL.
Mugisha’s has been a journey of persistence and perseverance, but Tunisian manager Jalel Kadri knows him well from his time at Stade Tunisien. For sure, Mugisha's is an exciting story to follow this campaign.
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Al Hilal - Ollie Watkins
Arguably the highest-profile move of the summer, the all-time leading Premier League goalscorer for Aston Villa is exactly the type of striker that Al Hilal have been crying out for.
With last term’s runners-up setting the early pace this season, much will be expected of the England international to deliver success - a goal on debut illustrated Watkins’ prowess, followed by two more in the massive victory at Al Taawoun.
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Al Ittihad - Georginio Wijnaldum
One of the transfers confirmed on deadline day, this is also one of the most interesting of the summer. Wijnaldum arrives in Jeddah with three seasons of RSL experience under his belt, and in the past two has been the lead man at Al Ettifaq.
As 2024-25 champions Al Ittihad eye a return to the top - sitting second, they are the only unbeaten side this season - can “Gini” keep delivering on the bigger stage?
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Al Khaleej - Miguel Crespo
The Portuguese winger was born in France, but made a name for himself in Turkey, first with Fenerbahce and most recently at İstanbul Basaksehir.
In that, Crespo will link back up with former teammate Joshua King, who was a revelation for Al Khaleej last season. Rekindle their connection and it could be fireworks.
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Al Kholood - Julien Domingues
Plucked from the third tier of French football, where he played for fallen Dijon FCO, Domingues is the latest in a line of astute recruits by Al Kholood. Bagging three goals and two assists in the opening seven RSL rounds, the attacker’s impact on the pitch has been instant.
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Al Nassr - Samu Costa
Just the one signing for the RSL champions this window, with the Portuguese international joining his compatriots Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo, with whom he shared a dressing room at the summer World Cup.
Replacing Marcelo Brozovic, can the midfielder push Al Nassr to back-to-back titles under Ange Postecoglou? A goal on debut certainly didn't harm his cause.
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Al Qadsiah - Tijjani Reijnders
Undoubtedly one of the most prominent moves of the window, the former Manchester City star has made an immediate impact for Brendan Rodgers’ side, with three goals in five games, including a brace in a giant win at home to Al Ahli in Matchweek 6.
You get the sense, though, Reijnders is only getting started.
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Al Riyadh - Mahmoud Trezeguet
The Egyptian great adds his name to the pantheon of illustrious countrymen to play in the RSL and is another addition who featured at the World Cup in the summer.
Trezeguet scored in Egypt’s first-ever win at a global finals and helped the Pharaohs to the Round of 32. He has a goal and an assist to his name for Al Riyadh already.
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Al Shabab - Roger Martinez
Comfortably one of the deals of the summer, Al Shabab have snared a guaranteed goal machine, who joined after a couple of prolific seasons at Al Taawoun.
In 50 RSL appearances, the Colombian netted 28 times, although it was last term that he really excelled, scoring 23 goals in 34 league appearances.
True to form, Martinez has already shown that sharp edge at Al Shabab, finding the net twice in six outings.
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Al Taawoun - Abderrazak Hamdallah
A familiar name and face to fans of the RSL, and for very good reason: Hamdallah sits as the league’s second all-time leading scorer, behind Omar Al Somah.
The Moroccan striker, a three-time golden boot winner, has a proven record at this level - and has an eye for goal unlike many the RSL has seen before.
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Diriyah Club - Darwin Nunez
The promoted club made a splash with a triple signing towards the end of the window that included the former Liverpool and Al Hilal star, who joins on loan.
As the ambitious new boys look to make a statement in their first season in the RSL, Nunez appears to have found a new lease of life under former Benfica manager Bruno Lage. He has three goals in five matches.
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NEOM SC - Mohannad Abu Taha
While they have higher-profile names on their books, the acquisition of the Jordanian winger was one move that stood out at NEOM Sports Club.
Not many team have looked within the Gulf in recent times, but with the improved performances from Jordan, including at the World Cup, at age 23, Abu Taha is a star that’s definitely on the rise.
