Saudi Arabia’s extravagant investment in the upper echelon of the global transfer market is anticipated to yield returns over the coming week and a half, as the nation’s elite clubs aim to transform their high-profile signings into champions in the Asian Champions League.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, four-time Asian champions Al-Hilal, and Jeddah’s Al-Ahli have all reached the continental quarter-finals, with these Saudi Pro League teams favoured to contest for the prestigious silverware.
Since the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia acquired majority stakes in the country’s top clubs in 2023, significant resources have been allocated to recruitment, and following last year’s disappointing campaign, expectations are once again soaring.
Al-Nassr have secured the services of Colombia’s Jhon Duran, adding to a squad already featuring Sadio Mane, Aymeric Laporte, and veteran Ronaldo as they pursue their first Asian title.
Saudi champions Al-Hilal flaunt a star-studded line-up with talents like Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Joao Cancelo, and Ruben Neves, while Al-Ahli can call upon a team bolstered by marquee signings such as Ivan Toney, Riyad Mahrez, and Franck Kessie.
The significant financial outlay to attract such elite talent places the three teams in a strong position against competitors from East Asia, especially with the advantage of hosting the centralised finals phase on home turf.
The quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final will all take place in Jeddah, compelling their opponents to travel thousands of kilometres while their own domestic leagues are in full swing.
Al-Hilal will get the action underway on Friday against South Korea’s Gwangju, who are making their debut in the tournament and rely heavily on the scoring abilities of Albanian international Jasir Asani.
While Asani may not be as globally recognised as Al-Hilal’s star players, he has been on fire this season, leading the tournament with nine goals, one ahead of Al-Hilal’s Salem Al-Dawsari and Yokohama F. Marinos’ Anderson Lopes.
Lopes’ team is set to face Al-Nassr on Saturday, with last year’s runners-up still coming to terms with the recent sacking of English manager Steve Holland, who was let go last week as the five-time Japanese champions struggle near the bottom of their league.
On the same day, Thailand’s Buriram United will meet Al-Ahli, aiming for a significant upset, having reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 2013.
Kawasaki Frontale will compete in the fourth quarter-final on Sunday, taking on Qatar’s Al-Sadd, who last won the Asian championship in 2011.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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