"Former English Premier League stars could make the difference in the Asian Champions League that begins Monday. Ivan Toney, Jesse Lingard, Riyad Mahrez and Darwin Nunez all have a chance of winning Asian football's premier club tournament. Saudi clubs dominated last season, providing three of the semifinalists before Al-Ahli won the final in front of 60,000 spectators at Jeddah in May. Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal are also back and expected to challenge again for the title."
"Since the country's Public Investment Fund took over the leading clubs, including Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr, in 2023, Saudi Pro League clubs have spent about $1.5bn on players. Toney signed for Al-Ahli from Brentford in August 2024 and would welcome more success in Asia. It was great to win the Champions League in front of our fans, and they are so passionate, Toney told The Associated Press news agency."
"There are 24 teams in the group stage, split into western and eastern zones in Asia, with the top eight from each progressing to a round of 16. Riyadh's Al-Hilal is the most successful club in the tournament's history with four titles, and was the only Asian team to get out of the group stage at the Club World Cup in June, defeating Manchester City to reach the quarterfinals."
The Asian Champions League begins on Monday with high-profile signings and former English Premier League stars among contenders. Saudi clubs dominated last season and Al-Ahli won the final in front of 60,000 spectators in Jeddah. Since the Public Investment Fund takeover in 2023, Saudi Pro League clubs have spent about $1.5bn on players, bringing names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Ivan Toney, Riyad Mahrez and Darwin Nunez. The group stage features 24 teams split into western and eastern zones, with the top eight from each advancing to a round of 16. Al-Hilal, with four titles, and Al-Ittihad are expected to challenge again.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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