In a move reflecting the remarkable evolution in the investment mindset of Saudi clubs, NEOM FC, a rising force in Saudi football, stands on the verge of achieving unprecedented financial and investment success. All eyes are now on the finalization of the sale of young French talent Simon Bouabre to Al-Hilal FC, a deal that could redefine sports investment in the region.
Details of the multi-million dollar deal
Reports, most notably from the reliable journalist Fabrice Hawkins, indicate that Al-Hilal has made intensive and decisive moves in recent hours to secure the player's services. The club's management has reportedly submitted a substantial financial offer approaching €23 million. This figure translates to a net profit of €13 million for NEOM FC in just six months, as the club acquired the player from AS Monaco for €10 million at the beginning of August. Furthermore, NEOM has included a shrewd clause guaranteeing them 20% of any future transfer fee for the player.
NEOM: A sports project that transcends the boundaries of the stadium
This news cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader context of the NEOM sports project. The club, named after the city of the future, is not only striving for competitiveness and promotion to the Saudi Professional League, but also aims to serve as a model for Saudi clubs in terms of privatization and financial sustainability. The ability to attract a young talent from a prestigious European club like Monaco, and then market him locally with a profit exceeding 100% in record time, underscores the presence of a professional sports management team with a keen understanding of the global transfer market.
The impact of the deal on the Saudi transfer market
This deal is a strong indicator of the maturing of the sports market in Saudi Arabia. Whereas clubs once focused solely on spending and acquiring contracts for exorbitant sums, we are now witnessing a shift towards "player trading," a model prevalent in major European leagues. This transformation strengthens the financial solvency of clubs and reduces their overall dependence on external support, thus aligning with the Ministry of Sports' sports club privatization project within the framework of Vision 2030.
Why is Al-Hilal so insistent on signing Bouabre?
On the other hand, Al-Hilal's insistence on paying this hefty sum reflects the club's desire to secure its future technical future for years to come. Al-Hilal, which dominates local and continental titles, understands that continuity requires injecting young blood with world-class potential. Simon Poiri possesses immense technical abilities that made him a global football sensation upon his initial transfer, making him a key player in Al-Hilal's future lineup, capable of making an immediate impact, and representing a long-term investment for the Riyadh-based club.
