In Saudi Arabia, rising star Neom SC is the next controversial “project” that is currently growing and growing. The newcomer has mainly focused on Ligue 1 so far, but that could change soon.
When a newcomer has the highest transfer spending of the summer, you’re probably in Saudi Arabia. So far, no club has invested as much as Neom SC in this transfer window. The focus is clearly on Ligue 1, which is in line with the latest coaching appointment: Christophe Galtier, former head coach at PSG, Nice, Lille, and Saint-Etienne, has signed with the controversial “project” until June 30, 2027.
Neom SC also gets its money from the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund – and has used these seemingly unlimited resources to attract players such as OL captain Alexandre Lacazette (on a free transfer), Amadou Koné (Stade Reims, just under €14 million) and Lyon left winger Said Benrahma (signed permanently for around €12 million after a previous loan spell). The most expensive transfer in the young club’s history was made on Saturday: Poland’s five-time senior international goalkeeper Marcin Bulka is joining Nice as their first-choice keeper for a reported €15 million – including a lucrative contract until 2029.
Will Rodrygo be joining soon?
Neom SC was once a traditional club called Al-Suqoor, which had been languishing between the third and fourth divisions before the state fund intervened, took over the new club in 2023, and has now led it to the top within two years. The coffers are full, and so the first “superstar” could soon arrive. And he wouldn’t be coming from Ligue 1.
Rodrygo, who is unhappy at Real Madrid and whom the Royals are open to selling, is said to be heavily courted. In the best-case scenario, the Brazilian international could help close the gap to the national top as quickly as possible. However, the competition in the Saudi Professional League is no less impressive, with champions Al-Ittihad finishing eight points ahead of previous double winners Al-Hilal last season.