21 June 2023 , 21:08
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Jamie Carragher has urged football chiefs to stop Saudi Arabia from taking over the sport after a huge Premier League name was linked with a move to the Middle East.
Despite being integral to Manchester City's treble winning campaign in 2022/23, Bernardo Silva is reportedly close to negotiating a big-money deal to join Cristiano Ronaldo and co. in making the move. Chelsea's N'Golo Kante has already agreed a deal to join Ittihad, whilst Wolves star Rubin Neves is heading to Al Hilal.
But the capture of Silva would be of huge significance, with MARCA reporting he is 'on the verge' of a move to the Saudi Pro League. Currently considered one of the best midfield talents in Europe, Carragher argues that any move could spark an exodus of high class players.
"Bernardo Silva is in his peak and has been one of the best players in Europe for the last five years!" he tweeted. "I wasn’t worried about the Saudi League taking players in their 30s, a touch worried with players below the elite (Neves) but if this happens it feels like a game changer."
The country has already heavily invested in other sports, with the controversial LIV Golf concept causing 12 months of division and civil war within the sport. Formula 1, WWE and boxing have also exploited the huge sums of money on offer to host events there.
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And Carragher added: "Saudi have taken over golf, the big boxing fights and now they want to take over football!! This sports washing needs to be stopped!" And his plea comes on the same day that fellow sky pundit Gary Neville called for the Premier League to block players heading to Saudi.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should the Premier League block transfers to Saudi? Comment below.
Jamie Carragher has shared his thoughts on players moving to Saudi Arabia (Sky Sports)Following Kante's £86 million switch, Chelsea's Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly also appear to be on their way to Saudi Arabia.
Neville told the BBC: “The Premier League should put an instant embargo on transfers to Saudi Arabia to ensure the integrity of the game isn’t being damaged. Checks should be made on the appropriateness of the transactions.
“If it comes through that process, obviously transfers could open up again. But I do believe, at this moment in time, transfers should be halted until you look into the ownership structure at Chelsea and whether there are beneficial transfer dealings that are improper.”
The former Manchester United and England player has joined a chorus of critics to question the relationship between the London club and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Despite Todd Boehly and co denying links, it has been speculated that PIF has invested in Clearlake Capital, the private equity firm that owns a stake in Chelsea.
The i reports the Premier League is ready to 'scrutinise' transfers to ensure fees are representative of a player's value, but remain confident in its current regulations.