The summer of transfers in Saudi Arabia can certainly be described as turbulent. Many stars moved to the Saudi Arabian Pro-League and earned huge sums there. Stars such as Neymar, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, N’Golo Kante, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino moved to the Kingdom in the transfer window which has just closed. Al-Nassr acquired the services of Cristiano Ronaldo in the winter.
talking to the sky Sports, Director of Football Affairs of the Saudi Pro League (SPL) Michael Emanalo gave a positive assessment. Emenalo said he hoped the league had made “positive headlines”. “We look with great satisfaction at getting the league back to a better position than ever before,” said the league director, who worked for Premier League club Chelsea for seven years.
The Nigerian also emphasized that high salary is not a deciding factor. The things told in the European media are far from the truth. “There is an ocean-wide gap between reports and facts,” he chose a surprising comparison. Amenalo did not deny that the number was higher. But there has always been an uproar about the economic facts in football. “When Ronaldo was sold from Manchester United to Real Madrid for £80 million, everyone thought it was madness and thought football was out of control.”
Furthermore, Michael Emenalo denied that the SPL had ambitions to be part of the Champions League. “It is a very distant dream that none of us have considered. At least I have not taken part in any such conversation at any level where such a thing is implied. We are happy with who we are.” There will be no reason to worry for the European leagues. “We are here to add value to an already fantastic industry.”
Critics accuse Saudi Arabia of diversifying investments game Engaging in “sports” to divert attention from the human rights situation in the country. Emenalo rejected it. He said, “I will say that I don’t understand what ‘sportwashing’ has to do with this.” “I have no clear indication that this is anything other than the desire of one of the best leagues in the world to provide quality entertainment to the people of Saudi Arabia.”
