Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
- The English Premier League kicked off this month without key players like Cristiano Ronaldo and N'Golo Kanté.
- They have opted to join the Saudi Pro League instead, which has been poaching the world's best players.
- Record contracts are being doled out to players as the country invests in its soccer program.
The English Premier League made its return earlier this month, but some familiar faces were notably absent.