Saudi clubs' record transfer spending fuels debate on sportswashing and financial sustainability

English clubs received over £250 million from Saudi clubs, with Rúben Neves' £47 million transfer being the biggest deal.
Saudi clubs spent $875 million on transfers, second only to the Premier League, acquiring stars like Neymar and Mane.
Despite massive bids, Saudi clubs missed out on some top targets like Salah, Messi, and Mbappé.
Questions persist about sportswashing of human rights issues and the long-term viability of Saudi transfer budgets.
Total global spending hit $7.36 billion, an all-time high, indicating the continued inflation of transfer fees.