Lucho Rodríguez shines in Bahia’s record R$139M sale to Neom SC

On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Esporte Clube Bahia finalized the transfer of 22-year-old Uruguayan striker Luciano Rodríguez to Neom SC in Saudi Arabia, marking a historic moment for Nordeste football. The deal, valued at 22 million euros (approximately R$139.3 million), is the largest ever recorded for a club in the region. Rodríguez, who joined Bahia in July 2024 from Liverpool-URU for R$65 million, signed a five-year contract with the Saudi club after medical exams in Monaco. Bahia retains 25% of the player’s economic rights for future transfers, ensuring a stake in potential deals. The departure of Lucho, a key figure in Bahia’s 2025 Campeonato Baiano and Copa do Nordeste titles, comes ahead of a crucial Copa do Brasil match against Fluminense at Maracanã. The transaction underscores Nordeste football’s growing global presence and the financial power of the Saudi league.

The deal was sealed after intense negotiations, with Neom SC paying 20 million euros upfront and 2 million in performance bonuses. Bahia, which invested heavily in the young talent, secured a profit more than double the initial amount, cementing the deal as a financial milestone. Liverpool-URU, Lucho’s former club, also benefits with 30% of the capital gain, around R$18.3 million.

• Sale value: 22 million euros (R$139.3 million).
• Bahia’s stake: 25% of economic rights in future transfers.
• Liverpool-URU profit: R$18.3 million from capital gain.
• Neom contract: Five years, post-medical in Monaco.

Lucho Rodríguez’s journey at Bahia

Luciano Rodríguez arrived in Salvador in July 2024 as the most expensive signing in Nordeste football history, costing 11 million dollars (R$65.3 million at the time). His adaptation was swift, becoming a cornerstone of the Esquadrão de Aço. In 69 matches, the striker scored 20 goals and provided three assists, showcasing his importance. In 2025, Lucho led Bahia’s scoring with 13 goals, including decisive strikes in the Copa do Nordeste finals against Confiança, securing the regional pentacampeonato.

The Uruguayan also shone in the 2024 Copa do Brasil, scoring a crucial goal against Botafogo to advance Bahia to the quarterfinals. His versatility, with quick dribbles and precise finishing, earned him a spot in Uruguay’s national team, where he’s a prospect for the 2026 World Cup under Marcelo Bielsa. Lucho’s exit, though profitable, leaves a gap in Bahia’s attack at a pivotal moment in the season.

من أوروغواي إلى تبوك.. رحلة نجم صاعد! 🎯✨#نادي_نيوم_الرياضي

Meet Luciano Rodríguez. Remember the name 🤝#NEOMSportsClub pic.twitter.com/FL2883sVJ6

— نادي نيوم الرياضي (@NEOMSportsClub) September 10, 2025

Financial impact of the transfer

Lucho Rodríguez’s sale to Neom SC is a landmark not only for Bahia but for all Nordeste football. The R$139.3 million deal surpasses any prior transaction in the region and ranks Bahia among Brazil’s top earners in the 2025 transfer window. The transfer is the sixth-largest in Brazilian football this year, outpacing deals like Thiago Almada (ex-Botafogo) and Jhon Arias (ex-Fluminense).

• Largest Nordeste sale: R$139.3 million, a historic record.
• National ranking: 6th biggest sale of 2025.
• Comparison: Outstrips Thiago Almada (R$135.5 million) and Igor Jesus (R$128.8 million).
• Financial gain: Bahia surpasses São Paulo in transfer window revenue.

The profit strengthens Bahia’s ability to compete globally, reinforcing its strategy of investing in young talents for future resale. Retaining 25% of Lucho’s economic rights ensures potential earnings from future transfers, especially given his appeal to European leagues.

Neom SC’s rise in Saudi football

Neom SC, recently promoted to the Saudi Pro League, is investing heavily to establish itself as a force in Middle Eastern football. Signing Lucho Rodríguez is part of an ambitious strategy that includes players like French striker Alexandre Lacazette. The club is also eyeing Marcos Leonardo from Al Hilal, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. Lucho’s arrival bolsters Neom’s squad, currently 13th in the Saudi league, as it aims to climb the standings with high-profile signings.

The Saudi league’s growing influence in global football is evident in Neom’s ability to pay 20 million euros upfront, a rarity in major international deals. The club’s project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader push to attract young talents and established stars with substantial financial offers.

• Neom’s squad: Includes Alexandre Lacazette, with interest in Marcos Leonardo.
• Investment: 20 million euros upfront, plus 2 million in bonuses.
• League position: 13th in the Saudi Pro League in 2025.
• Strategy: Signing young talents to compete in the elite.

Reaction at Bahia and next steps

Lucho Rodríguez’s departure on the eve of the Copa do Brasil clash with Fluminense sparked mixed reactions among fans. While some celebrate the record profit, others mourn the loss of a fan favorite. Bahia now faces the challenge of reorganizing its attack to maintain performance in national and international competitions, including the 2024 Libertadores.

The club is already scouting replacements, focusing on young players with similar potential for appreciation. Led by Cadu Santoro, the board plans to allocate part of the funds to strengthen the squad and infrastructure, cementing Bahia’s status as a Nordeste powerhouse. Fans hope the financial windfall translates into on-field success.

Lucho’s legacy in Nordeste football

Though brief, Luciano Rodríguez’s stint at Bahia left a lasting mark. Beyond regional titles, he elevated the club’s profile nationally and globally. His record sale proves Nordeste football can rival Brazil’s major hubs, drawing attention from international markets. Bahia’s strategy of betting on young prospects, like Lucho after his 2023 U-20 World Cup standout performance, paid off handsomely.

• Titles won: 2025 Campeonato Baiano and Copa do Nordeste.
• Stats at Bahia: 69 games, 20 goals, 3 assists.
• Impact: Boosted Bahia’s global market visibility.
• Club strategy: Investing in youth for profitable resale.

The transfer also highlights South American players’ growing presence in Saudi football, a market increasingly attracting rising stars. At 22, Lucho has a platform to shine in a competitive league, while Bahia reaps the rewards of a historic deal.

Bright future for Lucho Rodríguez

At Neom SC, Luciano Rodríguez will play alongside seasoned players in an ambitious sporting environment. His regular call-ups to Uruguay’s national team and growth potential position him as a name to watch in global football. The 2026 World Cup, under Marcelo Bielsa, could be his next major stage, given his proven ability in big competitions.

Bahia, meanwhile, stands to gain from future transfers with its 25% stake. Fans, though missing Lucho, celebrate his impact and the club’s global projection. His transfer is more than a record sale—it’s a milestone redefining Nordeste football’s potential.