- The former Man United star has penned a two-year deal in the Middle East
- Saudi Arabia have continued to attract a host of European talent this summer
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A former Manchester United Premier League winner has become the latest star to join the high-earning ranks of Saudi Arabia.
The Middle East has continued to attract European stars with the likes of Ivan Toney and Moussa Diaby amongst the most high-profile Premier League departees.
Saudi Pro League sides are becoming an increasingly attractive proposal for players who are swapping greater competitive football for the riches promised by being part of the growing football nation.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains the biggest name to join the ranks of Saudi Arabia’s elite sporting development, while others have since followed and now a previous team-mate will soon be playing against him.
The ex-England international was once a regular for the Three Lions, competing at two World Cups and called upon in the torrid 2016 European Championship where Roy Hodgson’s side were eliminated by Iceland.
A former Manchester United Premier League winner has become the latest star to join the high-earning ranks of Saudi Arabia
Chris Smalling has left Italian top-flight side Roma after penning a two-year deal in the Middle East
Chris Smalling was previously hailed by Sir Alex Ferguson and later featured under successive United managers David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho.
A subsequent departure for Roma followed in 2020 when the centre-back decided to ditch England for the Italian top-flight club.
Smalling (left) previously starred for Man United during a trophy-laden nine-year spell at the club
The 34-year-old has now put pen-to-paper on a two-year contract at Al-Fayha where he will lead the club’s defence as one of Europe’s most experiences defenders.
Smalling leaves Serie A after making 155 appearances for Roma, scoring 10 goals, and playing a crucial part in the club’s Europa Conference League triumph under former head coach Mourinho.
He has previously won two Premier League titles with Man United along with the Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup across nine years in England’s north-west.
Smalling failed to make an appearance in any of Roma’s opening three league matches this season but was named amongst the substitutes bench after successfully recovering from injury.
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