Yes, they were paying high salaries a few years ago, but in this period, incredible numbers started to be talked about. If I remember correctly Karim Benzema would earn 200 Million Euros a year. These numbers are too high for a normal player to win in Europe. That's why they are now at the level of hindering European football. That's why it's getting more attention this year.
It's just that even in comparison with the top European salaries, the salaries that Saudi clubs agree to pay to the same players are at least twice as high. In principle, on the one hand, it seems to pose a real danger to the European championships, but on the other hand, the level and reputation of European cup tournaments are much higher, so this can serve as a counterbalance to the flow of the best players to Saudi Arabia.