Shock at Al Nassr: Today he bid farewell to his teammates as he leaves the club

He will not continue in the Saudi Arabian League and will return to Europe to compete in an important team, Brazilian Anderson Talisca went to Al Nassr's facilities on Friday to say goodbye to his teammates, including Cristiano Ronaldo, because he will not continue in the Saudi Arabian League and will sign with Besiktas of Turkey.

Key Figures Leaving Saudi Arabian Football: Talisca, Henderson, and Gallardo Return to Europe and South America

The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has become one of the most talked-about football leagues in recent years, attracting top talent from around the world with lucrative contracts and high-profile signings. However, as the 2024-2025 season progresses, some major figures in Saudi Arabian football have chosen to leave the league for new challenges, either returning to their previous clubs or moving to different European teams. Anderson Talisca, Jordan Henderson, and Marcelo Gallardo have all made significant moves away from the SPL, raising questions about the league's future in terms of player retention and overall development.

Anderson Talisca: From Al Nassr to Besiktas

Anderson Talisca's departure from Al Nassr to Besiktas is one of the most notable transfers in recent months. The Brazilian midfielder had been a key figure for Al Nassr, contributing to their success both domestically and internationally. With his powerful shots, technical ability, and knack for scoring crucial goals, Talisca had become a fan favorite at the Saudi club. His time in the SPL, particularly in a star-studded squad that included Cristiano Ronaldo, was marked by consistent performances, but the allure of returning to his home country, where he had previously played for Benfica, and the chance to play in Europe once again, made him decide to move on.

Talisca’s decision to join Besiktas, a historic club in Turkey, is seen as a step back into a competitive European league, offering him the opportunity to showcase his talents in one of Europe's top competitions, the UEFA Europa League. His time at Al Nassr was impactful, but after several successful seasons in Saudi Arabia, Talisca appears eager to revive his career in European football, where he made a name for himself during his years at Benfica and Guangzhou Evergrande in China. This move also signals the shifting dynamics in the SPL, as players who once opted for the financial rewards of the league are now returning to more competitive European environments.

Jordan Henderson: Al Ettifaq to Ajax

Jordan Henderson’s move from Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia to Ajax in the Netherlands has shocked many fans and pundits. The former Liverpool captain, who made the high-profile switch to Al Ettifaq in the summer of 2024, had initially been seen as a key figure in Saudi Arabia’s push to bring in experienced, world-class talent. Henderson’s leadership, passing ability, and work ethic were expected to contribute significantly to the growth of Al Ettifaq and the SPL as a whole. However, his brief stint in the league appears to have been cut short, with the midfielder returning to Europe to join Ajax, one of the most prestigious clubs in the Netherlands.

At Ajax, Henderson will likely play a central role in a team that is undergoing its own transition. The Dutch side, with its rich history of developing young talent, will benefit from Henderson's experience at the highest level of European football, having captained Liverpool to numerous honors, including the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League. The move to Ajax, which is competing in European competitions, offers Henderson the chance to play in a more competitive environment, while also allowing him to continue his career at a high level. His departure from Al Ettifaq also underscores the challenges the Saudi Pro League faces in keeping its international signings for the long term, as some players seek to return to the more competitive European leagues.

Marcelo Gallardo: Leaving Al-Ittihad to Return to River Plate

Marcelo Gallardo’s return to River Plate after a brief spell as head coach of Al-Ittihad is another significant departure from the Saudi Pro League. Gallardo, who had achieved immense success with River Plate in Argentina, including multiple Copa Libertadores titles, left the Argentine giants in 2023 to take on a new challenge in Saudi Arabia. However, his tenure with Al-Ittihad was relatively short-lived, as he struggled to achieve the level of success that he had enjoyed in Argentina. Despite his considerable experience and reputation, Gallardo was unable to replicate the same impact in the SPL, leading to his decision to return to the club where he is regarded as a legend.

Gallardo’s return to River Plate is seen as a huge boost for the Argentine club, which had been looking for a manager with experience to continue the team’s growth. Under Gallardo’s leadership, River Plate had enjoyed domestic and international success, and his return is expected to bring the club back to the forefront of South American football. His departure from Al-Ittihad, coupled with his return to River Plate, highlights the difficulty that even highly respected managers face when trying to establish themselves in a league that is still growing in terms of competitive level and infrastructure.

The Changing Landscape of Saudi Arabian Football

The departures of Talisca, Henderson, and Gallardo from the Saudi Pro League mark a shift in the league’s strategy to attract top talent. While the SPL initially succeeded in luring big names through financial incentives, the league is now facing the reality that some players and managers are seeking the higher levels of competition and the prestige that comes with playing in or managing clubs in Europe or South America. These moves reflect the fact that while the SPL has made great strides in becoming a competitive force in world football, there is still a long road ahead to rival the top leagues in Europe, where the level of competition and historical legacy continue to attract the world’s best.

As the Saudi Pro League continues to evolve, it will need to focus on player development, improving the competitiveness of its clubs, and fostering a long-term project that will keep star players in the country for longer periods. However, the departures of Talisca, Henderson, and Gallardo highlight the ongoing challenges the league faces as it strives to balance financial power with sporting excellence.