What Would Happen If Saudi Pro League Teams Joined the Premier League?
Many fans have called into question whether we will ever get to see the rapidly emerging Saudi Pro League face off against Europe’s elite. Well, with our exclusive odds compiled by SportsLens, we have the first insight into which sides may be best equipped to compete, and what might happen if Saudi Pro League teams joined the Premier League.
- Amid the startling growth of Saudi Arabia’s top-flight, SportsLens have compiled odds on which team would perform best in the Premier League.
- Eventualities such as top four, top six and relegation finishes have all been priced up.
If Saudi Pro League Teams Joined the Premier League
Al-Ittihad
- Win the Title – 125/1
- Top 4 – 9/1
- Top 6 – 3/1
- Top Half – 3/10
- Relegation – 66/1
- Over/Under points total 54.5 – 10/11
- Star Players – Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante
Currently top of the Saudi Pro League, Al Ittihad are one of four teams in the division owned by the nation’s sovereign wealth fund.
They kick-started the summer into action by managing to acquire Karim Benzema in one of the most eyebrow-raising moves of the window, before adding his compatriot N’Golo Kante, Liverpool’s Fabinho and former Celtic winger Jota.
Although no household or superstar names currently occupy their defence, they are yet to concede after four games.
Al-Hilal
- Win the Title – 200/1
- Top 4 – 28/1
- Top 6 – 11/1
- Top Half – 6/5
- Relegation – 9/1
- Over/Under points total 51.5 – 10/11
- Star Players – Neymar and Aleksandar Mitrovic
Following closely in second place at the time of writing is Al-Hilal, who are the most decorated club in Asia boasting 66 honours.
Headed up by former Benfica manager Jorge Jesus, they have managed to assemble an intriguing looking squad, with the headliner being the capture of Neymar from PSG earlier this month.
He joins Aleksandar Mitrovic, who would certainly know a thing or two about scoring in the Premier League having netted on 12 occasions for Fulham last season.
Add to that former Wolves maestro Ruben Neves and Brazilian winger Malcolm, and you have a top-heavy squad that may be able to cause problems.
Al-Nassr
- Win the Title – 500/1
- Top 4 – 66/1
- Top 6 – 28/1
- Top Half – 3/1
- Relegation – 7/2
- Over/Under points total 48.5 – 10/11
- Star Players – Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane
Cristiano Ronaldo was the chief trailblazer for the influx of European talent to the Middle East after joining last season, and the five-time Ballon D’or winner has been joined by several notable names.
Sadio Mane’s impact has been immediate since making the switch from Bayern Munich. The Senegalese international was responsible for two of Al-Nassr’s goals as they picked up their first win of the season last time out, with Ronaldo adding a hat-trick to complete a 5-0 win.
It was also Aymeric Laporte’s club debut after leaving Manchester City, while last season’s Champions League finalist Marcelo Brozovic completes a star-studded summer.
With several prolific former Premier League goalscorers in their ranks, they may perhaps offer the best value of the three teams listed.
Lee Astley, SportsLens’ Head of News, said: “We explored the hypothetical scenario of Saudi teams joining the English Premier League.
“For this analysis, we focused on three teams: Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, and Al Nassr. The Saudi Pro League has seen notable signings from top European leagues recently, with more expected. How would these teams fare in the Premier League?
“We pegged Al Nassr as similar to mid-table Fulham, while Al Hilal and Al Ittihad to European hopefuls Brentford and Aston Villa given the talent at their disposal. Although they’re aspiring clubs, removing foreign player restrictions could lead to success like Newcastle’s last season, breaking into the elite ranks for Champions League qualification.
“While financial regulations like FFP would apply, the potential outcomes are intriguing.”
