The influx of professional players into the Saudi Pro League (SPL), particularly following the summer transfer window, has generated significant buzz. Assessing their performance during the initial months with their respective clubs reveals a varied landscape of triumphs and challenges. This article delves into the contributions of prominent foreign signings during the 2025 summer transfer period, analyzing their impact through key statistics and observations, focusing on the overall الدوري السعودي performance.
صفقات الصيف في الدوري السعودي: نظرة عامة (Summer Transfers in the Saudi League: An Overview)
Saudi clubs continued their ambitious recruitment drive throughout the summer transfer window, following the significant investments seen since January 2023. The aim? To attract world-class football talent. While some signings immediately lived up to expectations – notably, Portuguese star João Félix at Al-Nassr and French defender Theo Hernandez at Al-Hilal – others took time to integrate. The hope is that these new players will elevate the quality of the كرة القدم السعودية and attract even more global attention.
أداء اللاعبين الجدد في الاتحاد (Al-Ittihad’s New Player Performance)
Al-Ittihad made several noteworthy additions during the summer. However, their impact has been somewhat inconsistent.
- روجر فرنانديز (Roger Fernández): The 19-year-old Portuguese midfielder featured in 17 matches across all competitions, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists in 1008 minutes. His integration is a gradual process, showing potential for future growth.
- محمدو دومبيا (Mohamedou Doumbia): The 21-year-old Malian midfielder contributed with 3 goals and 3 assists in 16 appearances (1146 minutes) for Al-Ittihad. This makes him a positive addition to the squad.
- كارلو سميتش (Karlo Smiljić): The 20-year-old Serbian player played 11 matches (860 minutes) but didn’t register any goals or assists, suggesting he needs more time to adapt to the league.
النصر يتألق بفضل التعاقدات الجديدة (Al-Nassr Shines with New Signings)
Al-Nassr arguably had the most successful summer transfer window. The team currently leads the league standings, largely thanks to the stellar performances of their new recruits.
- جواو فيليكس (João Félix): The 26-year-old Portuguese forward has been a revelation, sharing the top-scorer position in the SPL with Cristiano Ronaldo with 13 goals. In 19 matches (1410 minutes) he has amassed an impressive 17 goals and 6 assists. He’s proven to be a game-changer for Al-Nassr.
- إينيغو مارتينيز (Iñigo Martínez): The 34-year-old Spanish defender has been a solid addition to the backline, making 17 appearances (1396 minutes) and receiving only one yellow card. His experience and stability have been valuable.
- كينغسلي كومان (Kingsley Coman): The 29-year-old French winger has been electrifying, contributing to 12 goals (6 goals and 6 assists) in just 15 matches (1164 minutes). His pace and skill have added a new dimension to Al-Nassr’s attack.
الهلال: صفقات قوية ونتائج إيجابية (Al-Hilal: Strong Signings and Positive Results)
Al-Hilal, consistently a dominant force, further strengthened their squad with impactful signings. They currently hold the second position in the standings.
- ثيو هيرنانديز (Theo Hernández): The 28-year-old French left-back has quickly become a vital player, scoring 5 goals and providing 2 assists in 18 matches (1443 minutes).
- داروين نونيز (Darwin Núñez): The 26-year-old Uruguayan striker has shown promise, netting 5 goals and adding 3 assists in 13 appearances (779 minutes).
- يوسف أكتشيشيك (Yusuf Aktasik): The 19-year-old Turkish player has had limited playing time, scoring a single goal in 15 matches (974 minutes).
- ماتيو باتوييه (Matthieu Bataille): The 21-year-old French goalkeeper has seen very little action, featuring in only one match.
الأهلي والقادسية: تقييم أداء اللاعبين الأجانب (Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah: Assessing Foreign Player Performance)
Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah also invested heavily in foreign talent.
- الأهلي (Al-Ahli): Enzo Meo (5 goals, 4 assists), Matheus Gonçalves (2 goals, 3 assists) and Valentin Attangana (2 goals) have all made contributions.
- القادسية (Al-Qadsiah): Matteo Retegui, the Italian striker, has impressed with 8 goals and 1 assist in 12 matches (1070 minutes), and Julian Weigl has added a creative influence with 1 assist. This highlights the value of bringing in established goalscorers to enhance a team’s attack in the الدوري السعودي للمحترفين.
ترتيب الدوري السعودي (Saudi League Standings) – Update as of 2025
As of late 2025, the standings demonstrate the impact of these investments.
- Al-Nassr leads with 31 points (10 wins, 1 draw).
- Al-Hilal follows closely with 29 points (9 wins, 2 draws).
- Al-Taawoun holds third place with 28 points.
- Al-Ahli is in fourth place with 22 points.
- Al-Qadsiah is fifth with 21 points.
- Al-Ittihad, the defending champions, are currently sixth with 20 points.
هدافو الدوري السعودي (Saudi League Top Scorers) – 2025-2026 Season
The top goal-scorers in the league showcase the talent that has been brought in:
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr) – 13 goals
- João Félix (Al-Nassr) – 13 goals
- Joshua King (Al-Khaleej) – 10 goals
- Roger Martínez (Al-Taawoun) – 7 goals
- Julian Quinones (Al-Qadsiah) – 7 goals
- Matteo Retegui (Al-Qadsiah) – 7 goals
- Georginio Wijnaldum (Al-Ettifaq) – 7 goals
In conclusion, the summer 2025 transfer window has undoubtedly reshaped the الدوري السعودي. While the integration of players varies, the success of signings like João Félix and the positive contributions of others demonstrate the potential for growth and competitiveness. The league standings and top-scorer list reflect this dynamic, and fans can anticipate an exciting future for Saudi football as these investments continue to materialize. Keep following the SPL for further updates and analysis throughout the season.
