Why Michy Batshuayi chose Saudi over a Standard return

Michy Batshuayi will not return to Standard this summer, opting instead for a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia’s Abha Club, while Standard continues to search for an attacking replacement. The 32‑year‑old striker, with 55 caps and 27 goals for the Rode Duivels, chose the Saudi Pro adventure over a homecoming.

Batshuayi's international pedigree

Michy Batshuayi, 32, has earned 55 caps and scored 27 goals for the Rode Duivels. His career includes spells at Standard, Chelsea and Fenerbahçe, showcasing his experience at top European levels. The striker’s name resonated in Sclessin during recent months, reflecting local admiration.

Standard's unmet ambitions

Standard-supporters, who once dreamed of a return from Axel Witsel, now watch their club search for offensive reinforcement. De Liège side could not match the financial package offered from Saudi Arabia, leaving Standard without a realistic path to re‑sign Batshuayi.

Saudi Arabia's lucrative offer

Abha Club, the newly promoted side in the Saudi Pro League, reportedly paid about two million euros to Eintracht Frankfurt for the forward. The personal contract, reportedly multiplying his German salary many times, was the decisive factor. Waarom Batshuayi chose Saudi-Arabië over Standard is clear: the financial terms eclipsed any sentimental pull.

Since his injury in December, Batshuayi has not featured for Frankfurt’s first team and even trained with the U21 squad, yet his market value remained attractive. The move to Abha Club, situated in the Asir province, offers a fresh start after a season on the sidelines.

Abha, promoted for the third time in its history, welcomed fifteen newcomers this summer, most on free transfers or modest fees, allowing the club to offer attractive salaries. Alongside Batshuayi, the roster now includes Nabil Fekir, Abdou Diallo – known from Zulte Waregem, AS Monaco and Paris Saint‑Germain – and goalkeeper Donovan Léon, formerly of Auxerre.

The city of Abha sits at over 2,200 metres altitude and serves as a popular vacation destination for wealthy Saudis escaping the extreme heat between March and October. Bij Abha Club the contract was decisive in securing the Belgian striker’s signature.

When Batshuayi makes his debut, he will become the ninth Belgian to play in the Saudi top flight, joining Yannick Carrasco (70 matches), Koen Casteels (65), Jason Denayer (36), Gaëtan Coucke (32), Dino Arslanagic (24), Matteo Dams (19), Yassine El Ghanassy (17) and Ilombe Mboyo (13). De influx of Belgian talent highlights the league’s growing appeal.