Riyadh Sports front-page headline—TY joined Al Hilal for a €550 million transfer fee, signing a five-year tax-free contract worth $2.2 billion in total.
Mundo Deportivo front-page headline and cover—Earthquake! TY joined Al Hilal for a record-breaking transfer fee, signing the most expensive contract in football history.
China Football Daily front-page headline—It's actually true! A Riyadh executive confirmed the Tang Ye transfer rumors in an interview. The club will offer Tang Ye an annual salary exceeding $400 million.
Manchester Evening News bold cover headline—A €550 million move to Saudi Arabia. TY signed a five-year mega contract with Al Hilal.
Al Hilal official: Welcome, Tang Ye! (in Chinese)
[So he really came after all?]
[Five years? Shouldn't it have been three? Didn't they say he'd return to Manchester United before the next World Cup? King Tang, don't lie to us!]
[There must be more details, right?]
[More than $400 million a year... making money is easier than picking it up off the ground. Saudi Arabia really goes hard when they spend.]
[What the hell, man? What does an Asian club want with Tang Ye? Win the AFC Champions League???]
Fans around the world were discussing China's Football Gold Rush 2.0, unaware that Saudi Arabia's version was even more insane.
Al Nassr bought Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Hilal bought Tang Ye. Saudi clubs had demonstrated their determination through their actions, as if money meant nothing to them.
Of course, Saudi Arabia had its reasons for doing this. They hoped football's growth could drive tourism. Only once tourism became strong would these Middle Eastern tycoons avoid having to cling to their dwindling oil reserves in the future.
You couldn't put all your eggs in one basket, even if that basket was made of oil!
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Manchester United's press conference drew an