Simon Chadwick believes that Saudi Arabia has a long-term plan that includes bringing as much influence as possible into the sports world. A plan that coincides with other political and economic ambitions in the world as the money from oil begins to run out.
"Saudi Arabia must transform its economy urgently. The global sports economy is worth approximately $750 billion. Saudi Arabia wanted a piece of that cake. Football is Saudi Arabia's biggest sport, so this is not like China where it disappears after a couple of years," he said.
Ronaldo and Benzema are at the end of their careers and so have former European stars who have chosen to play in Saudi Arabia. But that will probably change, Chadwick believes.
"They want to shake up the whole sector"
He believes that pretty soon, mid-career players or even early-career talents may be tempted to join Saudi clubs.
"It is highly likely that Haaland and others, long before they are about to quit, will play in Saudi Arabia," said Chadwick, who said football's rules are being rewritten by Saudi.
"They want to shake up the whole sector. Rumours suggest that Saudi Arabia wants to buy up entire sports or start rival leagues as we have already seen in golf and cricket. It can happen football too.
Chadwick even believes that Saudi Arabia has its eyes on the Champions League and that the mocked Super League launched two years ago could soon be on the cards.
"The European Super League can come back under Saudi rule. Nothing can be discounted, says Chadwick.