Al-Hilal delivered one of the biggest surprises of the FIFA Club World Cup by defeating Manchester City on Monday night.
The Saudi Pro League team, despite falling behind early against Pep Guardiola's powerhouse, emerged as unexpected 4-3 winners after extra time in Orlando. City had been among the favourites to clinch the inaugural edition of the contentious expanded tournament and were expected to have a smooth path to the final.
However, a Marcos Leonardo double and additional goals from Malcom and Kalidou Koulibaly saw them defeated in a seven-goal spectacle. Despite their early exit, the FIFA Club World Cup has proven profitable for City.
It's believed they pocketed approximately $51.9 million from their participation fee and performance prize money. However, had they triumphed in the tournament, they could have raked in a staggering $126.3 million.
By eliminating one of Europe's top soccer teams, Al-Hilal certainly made a statement. This could also have a ripple effect on clubs like Liverpool and undoubtedly benefit the Saudi team when it comes to bolstering Simeone Inzaghi's squad.
The Saudi team is thought to have earned roughly $34.5 million from its Club World Cup participation so far, having reached the quarter-finals at Man City's expense. If they defeat Fluminense, they will bag an additional $21 million by setting up a semi-final clash with either Palmeiras or Chelsea.
Win again, and reaching the final is worth an additional $30 million. Meanwhile, being crowned world champions would instead earn $40 million, leaving Al-Hilal with a maximum pot of roughly $95 million up for grabs.
Guardiola was frustrated after losing Al-Hilal
Guardiola was frustrated after losing Al-Hilal (Image: Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, such prize winnings won't make a game-changing difference to the transfer fees Al-Hilal is able to fork out for players. Prior to the Club World Cup, they were willing to spend $137.5 million on Bruno Fernandes, only to be rejected by the Manchester United captain.
But it will still boost funds as they look to add to their ranks. Having missed out on the Saudi Pro League title last season, the club has long been credited with interest in Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez.
Yet perhaps the performance side will benefit the Saudi outfit more than the financial riches on offer. After all, you beat Man City, and people sit up to take note. Such a win also follows Al-Hilal's draw with Real Madrid in the Club World Cup group stages.
While the quality of the Saudi Pro League has often been dismissed in European soccer, Al-Hilal has now held its own against two of the continent's strongest sides. That could perhaps prompt a rethink from certain players who had previously been reluctant to move to the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Hilal's win over Manchester City is a significant moment in Saudi Arabian soccer
Al-Hilal's win over Manchester City is a significant moment in Saudi Arabian soccer
Al-Hilal is making waves at the Club World Cup, while Al-Ahli has secured its spot in the 2029 edition of the tournament following its AFC Champions League victory last season. However, Al-Ittihad is the reigning Saudi Pro League champions, having edged out Al-Hilal last season.
Al-Nassr, meanwhile, is set to mount a challenge once more, bolstered by Cristiano Ronaldo's new two-year contract. All four clubs enjoy the backing of the PIF.
The Saudi Pro League has been a force to be reckoned with, albeit with varying degrees of success, since the PIF's initial investment and bold transfer market moves in the summer of 2023. Now, with their on-pitch performances gaining global recognition, the league could begin to attract attention for its sporting prowess as well as its financial clout.
Nunez isn't the only player catching the eye of Saudi Arabian clubs; Luis Diaz is also reportedly on their radar. Both players would reportedly prefer moves to Napoli and Barcelona, respectively. However, reports from Italy suggest that the Serie A club are struggling to agree a fee for Nunez.
Liverpool forwards Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz could still leave
Liverpool forwards Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz could still leave (Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool, meanwhile, has already turned down Barcelona's approach for Diaz and has no intention of selling. But if a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia were to materialise, their resolve could be put to the test.
Liverpool stars Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk and Diogo Jota have all been rumoured to be considering moves to the Middle East in the past, as has Mohamed Salah, who confessed he would have considered such a move this summer had he not renewed his contract with Liverpool.
However, this doesn't imply that Liverpool will easily sell off its players to the Saudi Pro League. Yet, Al-Hilal's performance may suggest that the quality of football in the region isn't as poor as initially thought in Europe, potentially paving the way for more lucrative transfers.
While Nunez and Diaz might prefer to remain in Europe, they could still be enticed by the Saudi Pro League, especially as Al-Hilal's performance in the Club World Cup helps enhance its global reputation. The attractive wages in the Saudi Pro League have already attracted several high-profile players over the past two years, including Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Gini Wijnaldum, but its biggest draw yet could be on the pitch.
Al-Hilal's performance in the Club World Cup could help shift the previously dismissive narrative about the league. And with the Saudi Pro League still being a serious contender, Liverpool could stand to benefit financially the next time the PIF initiates a recruitment drive.