A combination of early fixtures, high ownership and 2024/25 statistics can help Roshn Saudi League (RSL) Fantasy managers identify a few of the best forwards to pick in initial squads.
While some are expensive, the mid-priced range throws out a bunch of very appealing options. Managers opting to begin with a 3-5-2 or 4-4-2 system will also be interested in cheap, nailed-on starters.
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Premium (10.0m+)
No introduction is needed for Cristiano Ronaldo (14.0m). One of the all-time greats, managers are flocking towards the game’s most expensive player, knowing he defies his 40-year-old age.
Ronaldo ranked second for points last season (266) and was the league leader for goals (25), non-penalty shots (139) and putting attempts on target (57).
Our Members Area now includes such statistics for the Saudi Pro League.
The Portuguese superstar spent nine years alongside Karim Benzema (11.0m) at Real Madrid, winning multiple titles together. Yet not only does Benzema play for the reigning Saudi champions, he actually beat Ronaldo for goal involvements last time (31 v 30) and was narrowly behind for shots on target (54).
Elsewhere, England international Ivan Toney (10.5m) had a great first year after leaving Brentford for Saudi Arabia.
23 goals, followed by Super Cup success last weekend. Playing in front of Riyad Mahrez (10.0m) and now Enzo Millot (6.0m) maintains his high appeal, recognised by 31.9% of Fantasy managers.
A high number currently have Darwin Nunez (10.0m) too. It’s a trap that many Fantasy Premier League (FPL) participants fell into during his time at Liverpool, as this serial expected goals (xG) underachiever became known for both having and missing big chances.
Still, he’s been signed for an initial £46.2m to spearhead arguably the league’s best squad.
Mid-priced (6.5m to 9.5m)
For an even higher fee, Al Qadsiah have brought Mateo Retegui (9.5m) over to the Middle East. He’s already in over 29% of squads, having ended his sole season at Atalanta as Serie A’s top scorer.
Elsewhere, veteran Abderrazzaq Hamdallah (9.0m) might not have the same big-name appeal as these others, but he’s constantly proven himself to be a strong source of goals. 21 came last time, meaning his seven seasons at Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and now Al Shabab have brought 150 of them.
Above: Hamdallah’s superb Saudi Pro League record, according to Transfermarkt
More familiar to European supporters is Alexandre Lacazette (7.0m). After averaging 24 goals (in all competitions) across his three seasons back at Lyon, he’s joined the ambitious, newly-promoted Neom.
Then there’s Al Hilal’s Marcos Leonardo (7.0m). Signed from Benfica last summer, he initially played behind Aleksandar Mitrovic (10.0m) but, during the latter’s absence, moved up front to score 15 times in 12 matches. His low ownership is likely because Darwin is added to the mix, though Mitrovic is being linked with a departure.
Cheap (4.5m to 6.0m)
Let’s switch attention to the lower-priced options. Of those still at an RSL club, in this price bracket, last season’s highest scorer for points (147) and goals (10) was Abdullah Al Salem (5.5m).
That’s why he’s the most owned here, but take note that the 32-year-old has just changed clubs. Instead of Al Khaleej, he’s joined Retegui at Al Qadsiah.
Of the rest, it might be worth keeping an eye on Jackson Muleka (6.0m). He bagged seven goals and nine assists in 2024/25.
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