The Great Saudi U-Turn: Why Europe’s stars are quietly returning from the Pro League

Last Updated on 9 March 2026

Backed by enormous wealth, the Saudi Pro League suddenly became the sport’s newest superpower, luring stars with contracts Europe simply could not match. Legends, Champions League winners, and even young prospects began heading east.

But by 2026, the narrative has started to shift. A growing number of players have quietly returned to Europe, realizing that while money talks in football, competition, prestige, and relevance still matter just as much.

Here are five players who made the Saudi move, only to quickly reverse course.

Jordan Henderson

When Jordan Henderson joined Al-Ettifaq in 2023, the move immediately sparked debate. Reuniting with his former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard, Henderson was expected to become a key figure in the Saudi project. However, the reality proved very different.

The England midfielder lasted just six months before negotiating a mutual termination. Sparse crowds and a lack of competitive intensity raised concerns, particularly with his international future on the line.

Henderson soon returned to Europe with AFC Ajax, prioritizing elite competition and his England ambitions over a massive tax-free salary. He currently plays in the Premier League with Brentford.

Aymeric Laporte

After winning the treble with Manchester City, Aymeric Laporte surprisingly joined Al-Nassr in 2023. Playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Laporte delivered solid performances over two seasons.

Yet the defender reportedly struggled with the lifestyle adjustments and questioned the overall professional standards. Eventually, the pull of home proved stronger.

In 2025, Laporte completed an emotional return to Athletic Bilbao, reportedly accepting a pay cut of more than 50 percent just to play again at San Mames.

Gabri Veiga

When Gabri Veiga left Celta Vigo for Al-Ahli Saudi FC at just 21 years old, the reaction across Europe was immediate. As per Goal.com, Toni Kroos called the decision “embarrassing,” arguing that a player with Veiga’s potential should be competing at the highest level.

Although the Spaniard recorded 50 appearances and 11 goals in Saudi Arabia, the buzz around his name quickly faded. By 2025, Veiga had returned to Europe with FC Porto for €15 million-far below the €40 million Al-Ahli originally paid.

Now back in the European spotlight, he is attempting to rebuild a reputation that briefly stalled in Jeddah.

Allan Saint-Maximin

Few players were more beloved at Newcastle United than Allan Saint-Maximin. However, his move to Al-Ahli in 2023 marked the end of an electrifying era on Tyneside. The winger struggled to replicate his unpredictable brilliance in Saudi Arabia.

Eventually, Saint-Maximin was sent out on loan. A spell at Fenerbahce under Jose Mourinho followed, along with a brief and unusual stint at Club America.

Finally, in early 2026, Saint-Maximin returned to Ligue 1 with RC Lens, hoping stability can help him rediscover the form that once lit up the Premier League.

Jota

Few Saudi transfers unraveled as quickly as that of Jota. The winger left Celtic FC for Al-Ittihad in a £25 million deal in 2023, but the move almost immediately went wrong.

Due to strict foreign-player limits, Jota was excluded from Al-Ittihad’s Saudi Pro League squad list, rightaway. Despite the huge transfer fee, he spent months effectively in footballing limbo, unable to feature in league matches and limited to occasional continental appearances.

Eventually, in August 2024, he secured a permanent return to Europe with Stade Rennais FC. Al-Ittihad reportedly accepted an £18 million loss just to move him off the wage bill.