European Club Association (ECA) executives are downplaying concerns about the financial strength of the Saudi Pro League, especially in light of Al-Ittihad’s recent failed £150 million bid to acquire Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah.
In August, it was revealed that despite already attracting notable talents like Fabinho, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kante to Jeddah, the Saudi Pro League champions were planning an audacious move to entice Salah away from Anfield before the transfer deadline.
However, Liverpool swiftly rejected Al-Ittihad’s verbal offer of £150 million, maintaining their firm stance that Salah was not for sale at any price. Nevertheless, the enticing financial offers have led to speculation in Merseyside about whether this season might be Salah’s last with the club.
Despite reports suggesting Al-Ittihad was willing to make Salah the world’s highest-paid player and offer Liverpool a world-record transfer fee of £200 million, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, chairman of the ECA and president of Paris Saint-Germain, expressed confidence that Europe need not be alarmed by the Gulf state’s growing influence.
“I don’t believe there is a significant threat,” Al-Khelaifi commented when asked about the Saudi Pro League’s impact at the ECA general assembly. “We believe in ourselves. We have the most prestigious competitions and the best players. It’s not my place to assess what’s happening outside of Europe. However, many European clubs have sold players to them. If we were not content, why would we sell our players to them? That’s the reality.
“Is it a threat? I’ve shared my opinion. If there was a genuine threat, European clubs would not remain silent. Thus far, I haven’t seen any danger.”
Jan-Christian Dreesen, ECA vice-president, echoed Al-Khelaifi’s perspective, emphasizing that the stature of UEFA competitions elevates Europe above the Saudi Pro League. He did, however, express a desire to align the transfer windows between the two regions.
“We should not be overly concerned,” Dreesen asserted. “We have outstanding competitions. There’s no need to be anxious. But I would prefer both transfer windows to close simultaneously. I would propose that.”
This summer, several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, engaged in business with Saudi Pro League clubs. Jordan Henderson and Fabinho secured moves to Al Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad, respectively.
Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, has voiced concerns about clubs in Saudi Arabia being able to sign players after the European transfer window closes. This year, Premier League clubs could negotiate player transfers until September 1, while Pro League clubs had an additional six days to bolster their squads.
According to Deloitte, Saudi Pro League clubs spent £767 million during the summer transfer window, indicating the league’s increasing financial clout.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah Ghaly
EgyptThis season he played in total 4 times for 343 minutes for Premier League.
Mohamed Salah scored 2 goals for Liverpool. He procured one assist. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 3rd in Premier League. In the last match Liverpool won 3-0 against Aston Villa. The next match in Premier League will be against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Liverpool performance and stats
Liverpool
Liverpool is currently 3rd in the Premier League with 10 points.
In the last 4 games, it has won twice and drawn twice. In its last match, Liverpool won 3-0 against Aston Villa.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 9 goals and conceding 3.
Liverpool will play the next match in Premier League against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday 16th of September in Wolverhampton.
