EPL vs SPL: Saudi Pro League clubs have become a force to reckon with during this transfer window. They are competing with Europe’s top 5 leagues to bring in several top players. The lucrative contacts with around 5 times more than a player’s market rates are naturally attracting players. However, their transfer window closes on September 20. Whereas, it closes on September 1 for most of Europe’s top leagues. This became a concern and Premier League club Liverpool’s coach Jurgen Klopp first talked about it. Now, Mikel Arteta shared his concerns as well.
Cristiano Ronaldo was the first player to move to the Saudi Pro League this year. He moved to Al Nassr on a world-record transfer fee of $200 million per year. Since then, Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, and more players are moving to the country. Even Neymar could be making a move to Al Hilal. Currently, it’s not only aged players, but young players are also making the move. Everyone is getting attracted to the lucrative deals offered by the Saudi Pro League clubs.
Saudi Pro League’s transfer window will close on September 20. Whereas, for most of Europe’s leagues, including Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and England, transfer windows are set to close on September 1. This can cause problems for European clubs as the key players of a coach’s plans could then be lured away with lucrative offers. During Arsenal’s recent press conference, coach Mikel Arteta was asked whether it was fair. He replied, “No, because they’re a competitor now. I think we have to change that [Saudi’s transfer window closing date].”
To the question of whether losing a player at that stage will cause problems, Mikel Arteta said, “Yes, very much. The principle would be [not to sell after September 1] but I cannot make the decision for the club. It is a lot of people involved in that process and they would have a say, the ownership, would do the same. It would be on the table like with any offer and you have to look at it. The only thing I’m saying is it’s not ideal because they are a competitor.”
Arteta’s comment reflected the concern raised by Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp a few days ago. Klopp said, “It is massive, in the moment. Pretty much the worst thing I think is that the transfer window in Saudi Arabia is open three weeks longer. If I am right, I heard something like that, then at least in Europe that’s not helpful. UEFA or FIFA must find solutions for that. But in the end, at this moment, I don’t know exactly what will happen.”
He added, “It is already influential, for us, for sure. We will have to learn to deal with it, and that’s what we do. That’s pretty much all I can say about it, time will show.” A good number of Liverpool players made a move to the Saudi Pro League clubs this transfer window. The same has not been the case for Arsenal players. However, naturally, it’s become a matter of concern for the Arsenal boss who is aiming to win major trophies this season.
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