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.
We are in very early days of the Saudi League which is through huge funds for their league and few players are also attracted with this all but mostly players with professional minds and those are having soccer love in their hearts still having their spots into European leagues even with fewer salaries which are offering by these Arabs with most chances this bubble will burst soon and all will be normal because they are doing this all just for their campaign which is running for the hosting of 2030 world cup in Saudi Arab.
Competitiveness and level of soccer still much different in these leagues which is not possible in Saudi League for the next few years and this will be going to have big impact as well, hopefully in next few years we will have things normal here as we have in last few years.