Martinelli signing pushes Al Hilal’s market value above 1 billion riyals

Gabriel Martinelli’s arrival has pushed Al Hilal’s squad value above 1 billion Saudi riyals, strengthening the club’s position at the top of Saudi Arabia’s football market.

The Brazilian forward joined from Arsenal on a four-year deal in the Saudi Pro League’s most expensive transfer of the summer. His move came only days after Al Hilal signed English striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa.

According to Transfermarkt, Al Hilal’s total squad value now stands at €239.8 million. Martinelli is valued at €45 million, level with Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville and among the club’s most valuable players.

Al Hilal ranks ahead of Al Ahli at €199.6 million, Al Qadsiah at €162 million, Al Ittihad at €147.6 million and Al Nassr at €136.9 million.

Martinelli made his debut in a 2-0 away victory over Al Shabab. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic opened the scoring early in the second half, and Ruben Neves converted a late penalty. Al Hilal remains top of the Roshn Saudi Pro League with 15 points from five victories. Al Shabab is 13th with three points from three draws.

Al Ahli also recovered from consecutive defeats with a 5-0 win over Al Riyadh. The result moved Al Ahli into fourth place on nine points, while Al Riyadh remains 12th with four.