The Chinese super league officials or the governing body of sport on the country came up with a policy that discouraged players from going to the league and that's why they flopped from the transfer market. Chinese super league during their years of reign and popularity had more impact than Saudi Arabia league currently. Atleast during the Chinese super league reign they attracted young players as well as old players. I remember Oscar who was playing for Chelsea moving to China at his prime. Other players that had good years left in them move to the league but Saudi Arabia league are only attracting old players that have nothing left to prove.
The Saudis strategy is different because they have alternative motive behind signing this players. Saudi Arabia are not just signing anyhow players but those with influence and that's why they're paying this astonished amount of money. It's no longer a secret that the reason behind this is to get enough support for their world cup bid for 2030. I think they deserve it because it'll help exposed the country to the world so things can be different in those countries. It's too cages in my opinion, I know it's their culture but they should let loose a little so people can have freedom to do things they feel like doing.