Saudi stars 'hating every minute' of lucrative transfers and 'want to go home'

Saudi Arabia has already poached some of the most talented players in world football, but many who made the lucrative switch are already having regrets.

However, Messi may think twice about taking up the challenge, following reports that a number of players and managers who 'want to go home'.

While some are said to be 'hating every minute', there escape routes could be blocked due to a 'big problem' with their contracts, which in many cases are two years.

In addition, game attendances are proving to be well below par compared with other leagues around the world.

Despite boasting a population of 37 million people, Jordan Henderson’s Al-Ettifaq team — managed by Steven Gerrard — played in front of 9,827 when they lost 2-1 to Slaven Bilic’s Al-Fateh last Thursday.

Fabinho’s Al-Ittihad have the biggest following with 29,000 people flooding to their games, but in the 18-team league, only 11 of the clubs average under 5,000.