Saudi Pro League boss details January transfer plan after failing to land Salah
Saudi Pro League chief Michael Emenalo said its clubs will target "additions of the highest level" in the transfer market.
Teams from Saudi Arabia spent £701million to land some of the game's big names, the majority of them coming from Europe, according to FIFA. They signed the likes of Fabinho, Neymar and Karim Benzema. Their outlay could've been even higher had they landed targets like Kylian Mbappe and Mohamed Salah.
Mbappe turned down the chance of a move to Saudi whilst the Liverpool star remained at Anfield, but is seen as a long-term target. The Saudi League is determined to raise its profile and quality, hence its recruitment drive, but Emenalo believes there will be a less frantic approach in January with quality coming before quantity.
He the league’s in-house media team.“I’m hoping (the January transfer window) is not very busy, because I think the job that was done has been quite interesting and aggressive, and most of the clubs, I believe, have what they need.
“And hopefully the attention will now turn to work within the training facilities to improve these players and to allow them time to adapt and perform. Now, whatever additional improvement that we need to do for any club, with time on our hands and preparation, we believe will be additions of the highest level.
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“We will continue to support and to see every opportunity we have to bring more talented individuals that want to come to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that is open for business.”
Neymar opted to leave PSG and join Al-Hilal in a mega deal (Getty Images)The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo after his sudden departure from Manchester United has thrust the Saudi league into the limelight and their finances are able to dwarf a lot of English clubs. Emenalo is confident that the leading lights in the Kingdom can prove to inspire the country's next generation.
“I’ve always explained, privately and publicly, that top-level footballers are incredible and unique artists, and what they can do, you can only dream of until you try to do it, when you realise how difficult it is," added the former Chelsea technical director.
“Those guys are exceptional artists, and the artists as time goes on will be greatly appreciated and copied by youngsters in the country and that will be for the good of everyone."
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