Sadio Mané, a Senegalese professional footballer who started his career in his native village of Bambali in Senegal, is now the latest superstar to join the Saudi Arabian football league.
The former Liverpool superstar left one of the most successful teams in Europe, Bayern Munich, to join Riyadh-based Al Nassr Football Club.
A mass exodus of European superstars has left the continent to move to the desert as lucrative contracts continue to entice sports stars to join the Saudi Pro League.
Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante joined defending champions Al Ittihad, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy signed for Al Ahli, and former Chelsea teammate Kalidou Koulibaly joined rivals Al Hilal.
Since then, the transfers have continued.
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Show me the money
Although the financial details were not disclosed, media reports claim the Saudis paid 40 million euros ($43.85 million) for the 31-year-old, who had two more years left on his Bayern contract.
Al Nassr Football Club are through to the finals of the Arab Club Champions Cup after the match on Saturday against their bitter rivals Al-Hilal.
Football fans worldwide will witness the Riyadh derby as the Saudi Arabian football superpowers collide at the King Fahd international stadium.
Mané played a leading role in propelling his team to the finals of the Arab club championship after beating Iraqi champions Al Shorta in the semifinals on Wednesday.
Mané was brought down in the box by his marker Faisal Jasim Al Manaa. Following the VAR review, Al-Nassr was awarded a penalty kick, executed by the ever-so-reliable Cristiano Ronaldo, taking his team to the final against Al-Hilal.
This is the “mother” of all derbies, particularly in the Arab football world, and fans can expect a mouthwatering flair of soccer.
The derby can potentially divide the city of Riyadh on Saturday,12 August, at the King Fahd international stadium.
