A clash of titans: Al-Hilal hosts Al-Fayha in a clash of contrasts in the Roshan League
All eyes in Saudi football will be on the Kingdom Arena on Thursday evening, as league leaders Al-Hilal host Al-Fayha in the 17th round of the Saudi Professional League. The match is significant not only for the three points at stake, but also as a stark illustration of the dramatic shifts occurring in the league, highlighting the vast disparities in resources and market value between the top clubs and those aspiring to higher positions.
Background to the major transformation in Saudi football
The summer of 2023 witnessed a true revolution in the history of the Saudi League, fueled by the Public Investment Fund's investments in top clubs, including Al-Hilal. This unprecedented financial support enabled the club to attract a constellation of international football stars, skyrocketing its market value and making it a force to be reckoned with both domestically and continentally. In contrast, clubs like Al-Fayha operate according to different strategies, relying on carefully considered recruitment and controlled budgets, creating the stark contrast that is clearly evident in the figures before the opening whistle.
More than 12 times: Market value reveals the gap
According to figures from the specialized website Transfermarkt, Al-Hilal enters the match with a significant advantage on paper. The total market value of the "Leaders" squad is approximately €184.80 million, a figure that places them among the top clubs. On the other hand, Al-Fayha's market value is €15.28 million. This difference, exceeding twelve times, not only reflects the financial gap but also translates into a difference in the quality and experience of the players available to each coach.
Al-Hilal constellation
Al-Hilal's strength lies in its star-studded squad. Leading the list is Portuguese midfielder Rúben Neves, valued at €25 million, followed by Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinković-Savić at €15 million, and Brazilian winger Malcom at €20 million. The squad also boasts other prominent names that contribute to the team's overall value. The average age of Al-Hilal's players, at 27.5 years, reflects an ideal balance between the experience of international stars and the dynamism of young talent.
Al-Fayhaa's weapons and ambitions
In contrast, Al-Fayha relies on a group of proven players. Leading the charge is Zambian striker Fashion Sakala, valued at €3.8 million, who is considered the team's most potent attacking weapon. He is followed by Spaniard Jason Remeseiro, valued at €2.2 million, along with other names such as Chris Smalling and Silver Ganvoula (€1.2 million each). The team's average age is 26.7 years, indicating a dynamic and ambitious squad poised to deliver a respectable performance.
The importance of the match and its impact on the league's course
For Al-Hilal, the match represents another step towards securing the league title, as the team seeks to continue its winning streak and maintain its lead over its closest pursuer, Al-Nassr. Meanwhile, Al-Fayha, currently in thirteenth place with 14 points, hopes to achieve a surprising positive result that would provide a significant morale boost and distance them from the relegation zone. It's a clash between the ambition of the reigning champions and the desire of a team striving to prove itself, which adds a special kind of excitement to the encounter despite the apparent differences on paper.
