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.
This is a challenge for European clubs to pay more attention to their top players. Starting from the salary and the level of comfort, because the Saudi Arabian club is ready with everything. This will continue and top players are starting to think again about their services at European clubs which are often underappreciated. The level of interest in playing at Saudi Arabian clubs is increasing from season to season, the budget to buy players is also strongly supported by the Saudi Arabian sports ministry which has poured large funds on the transfer market.