The Saudi Pro League is aiming to secure top-tier players in the upcoming transfer windows, as stated by its head of recruiting. According to FIFA data, Saudi Arabian clubs invested a significant £701 million in recruiting foreign talent during the summer. Had the bids for Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe been approved, this figure might have surged higher. Michael Emenalo, overseeing the Player Acquisition Centre for Excellence (PACE) and serving as the director of football for the Saudi league, acknowledged the league’s aggressive competition in the summer transfer market. The focus now shifts to adding high-quality players to bolster the previous summer signings. With the January transfer window approaching, Saudi teams are already linked to potential moves for Manchester United’s Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho. Al-Ittihad, the reigning champions, are expected to renew their efforts to acquire Mohamed Salah after their £150 million bid for the Liverpool forward was rejected in September.
Emenalo expressed a hope for a less busy January transfer window, highlighting the aggressive and interesting work done previously by the clubs. He emphasized the importance of enhancing training facilities to foster player development and performance. Emenalo emphasized that any additional improvements for the clubs will be of the highest standard, aiming to attract talented individuals interested in joining the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, known for its openness to business. While it’s improbable that the league will attract top talents in the winter transfer window, the focus remains on continually enhancing the league’s quality through strategic player additions, as reiterated by Emenalo.