LaLiga agree deal to sign nine Saudi Arabian players on loan | OneFootball

A peculiar deal has been agreed between LaLiga and the Saudi Arabian FA, seeing nine players from the Saudi Arabia national team sign for Spanish clubs on loan.

The idea is for the players to train and play at the highest level possible ahead of next summer’s World Cup, while those in charge of Saudi Arabian football hope to reap the benefits of having their top players at European clubs.

For LaLiga m– who signed the players – and the clubs involved, the motivation is to see their clubs gain exposure and, hopefully, a player who can prove to be useful until the end of the season.

“The arrival of Saudi footballers in Spain comes after a rigorous scouting process,” read a LaLiga statement.

“Spanish clubs have worked for months to capture the player which best fits their team and improves their squad.”

No transfer fees are involved and clubs will not pay the salaries of the players during their time in Spain.

Here is how the loans are broken down:

The most notable player involved is Salem Al-Dawsari, who has joined Villarreal having scored 28 goals in 161 games for Al-Hilal.

Villarreal have also signed a player for their second team.

Speaking about the arrival of their loan signing, Leganés said:

“With Yahia Al-Shehri’s arrival, the club has improved its squad and also gained visibility in the Arab world.”

Other players have joined Real Vallodolid, Rayo Vallecano, Levante, Numancia, and Sporting Gijon.