Mainz manager Bo Svensson has insisted that Karim Benzema’s move to Al-Ittihad, not Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr, was the catalyst behind top football players joining the Saudi Pro League (SPL).

Recall that top players like N’Golo Kante, Sadio Mane, Eduardo Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marcelo Brozovic, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, and more have completed transfers to the SPL in this ongoing summer transfer window.

The Saudi League gained unprecedented popularity when Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr as a free agent last December after his contract with Manchester United was terminated.

However, Svensson feels Benzema’s move to Al-Ittihad from Real Madrid made it a popular destination among players because the France attacker played in the Champions League semi-final.

Svensson told BILD: “I take it very seriously. It is different from back then with China. Only three foreigners were allowed to play per club, and really big names didn’t go to China either.

“For me, the decisive transfer to Saudi Arabia was not Ronaldo at 38, but Benzema, who just played in the semi-finals of the Champions League. This could be a door-opener for others.

“If you see the names now, the number of players going there, and the money that is available, even the Premier League can’t keep up. I’m excited to see how it goes.”