The Gulf summer transfers window has once again lit up the regional game, with Saudi and Emirati clubs spending big and reshaping their squads ahead of the new season. From a record-breaking arrival at Al-Hilal to a wave of signings across the UAE, the 2026 Gulf summer transfers have delivered marquee names, shrewd deals, and a clear signal that the region’s ambition shows no sign of slowing. Here is a look at the biggest moves.
The spending is not confined to the continental giants. Domestic leagues across the Gulf remain fiercely competitive, as shown when Al-Kuwait won the Kuwait Premier League, and the transfer market is where the next campaign’s contenders are being built.
The Saudi Pro League produced the standout deal of the window. Crysencio Summerville completed a move to Al-Hilal from West Ham for a reported 70 million euros, becoming the most expensive Saudi signing of the summer after the club won a tight race for the Dutch winger. It is another statement of intent from Al-Hilal, and the biggest single move of the Gulf summer transfers so far.
Al-Ahli were equally busy, headlined by the arrival of Portuguese playmaker Francisco Trincao, brought in as a direct replacement for the departing Riyad Mahrez, along with several other additions. Al-Ittihad strengthened at the back with a young Serbian central defender, while reigning champions Al-Nassr took a quieter approach after their heavy spending in previous windows, focusing on retaining the core that delivered the title.
Across the border, the UAE Pro League matched the energy. Defending champions Al Ain were among the most active, adding experienced names including Austrian Valentino Lazaro, Greek striker Georgios Giakoumakis, and Brazilian Marcos Andre, signalling a determination to defend their crown on multiple fronts.
They were far from alone. Al Jazira completed a series of high-profile signings including Romanian midfielder Marius Marin and Ivorian forward Chris Bedia, while Sharjah reinforced with a clutch of international arrivals. Al Wasl and Al Wahda blended experience with youth, and reigning UAE champions Shabab Al Ahli stuck to a more targeted policy, adding a goalkeeper and a defender rather than reshaping wholesale.
Taken together, the window points to a Gulf game that continues to attract established talent from Europe while deepening squad quality across the board. The Saudi Pro League still leads the way on the biggest fees, but the UAE’s activity shows a league determined to keep pace and raise its own competitive level. With new seasons kicking off in August, these signings set the stage for what should be another fiercely contested year across the region.
For fans tracking every deal and weighing up how the new arrivals might change the balance of power, understanding the odds and markets through our guide to sports betting basics adds another layer to following the season ahead.
Crysencio Summerville was the standout deal, joining Al-Hilal from West Ham for a reported 70 million euros, making him the most expensive Saudi Pro League signing of the summer.
Portuguese playmaker Francisco Trincao joined Al-Ahli as a direct replacement for Riyad Mahrez, one of several additions the club made during the window.
Defending UAE champions Al Ain were among the most active, signing experienced names including Valentino Lazaro, Georgios Giakoumakis, and Marcos Andre.
Al-Nassr took a quieter approach in the 2026 window after heavy spending in previous years, focusing on retaining the core of their title-winning squad rather than making major additions.
The new Saudi and UAE league seasons kick off in August 2026, with clubs finalising their squads during the summer transfer window that runs through the pre-season.
