The curtain fell on the Saudi Pro League last night on the occasion of the 34th matchday. Al-Hilal clinched the championship in a season where Cristiano Ronaldo set a record, scoring 35 goals in a single campaign.
Arriving a year and a half ago, the Portuguese star set the tone. A few months later, numerous European continent’s star players succumbed to the allure of Saudi clubs and their particularly lucrative salaries. Neymar, Benzema, Kanté, as well as lesser-known players, all said yes. The first year of this new era has just concluded. It is not expected to end anytime soon, according to the league’s general manager’s statements.
In a lengthy interview with The Telegraph, Michael Emenalo outlined the SPL’s future direction. According to him, we can expect more world-class transfers. “We hope that the players recruited will have been properly selected to feel a sense of exceptionality,” assures the executive, warning in passing that they are competing with European clubs for the best players. For example, the Nigerian asserts that an offer like Al-Hilal’s last summer of €260 million to bring in Kylian Mbappé (in conflict with his club regarding contract extension or transfer; PSG had authorized negotiations to sway the Frenchman) could recur this summer.
The SPL will continue to target stars. “Whenever an opportunity arises and such players you mentioned are available, we will compete. This upcoming window will be special. If there’s an opportunity to spend a lot of money on someone whom we believe will bring exactly what we need or what is necessary, then we will do it.” Names have been circulating for weeks, including key figures from the Premier League like Mohamed Salah, Kevin de Bruyne, or even Brazilian goalkeepers Ederson and Alisson. The Daily Mail even revealed two days ago that a €30 million offer is about to be made to Manchester City for their goalkeeper.
Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and José Mourinho are also mentioned, which Emenalo confirms indirectly. “José (Mourinho) is a brand in himself… Whether he’s ready to come or whether a club in our league is ready for him, that’s something to be determined.” Finally, the former Monaco and Chelsea executive drops another essential piece of information. After recruiting 94 players last season for nearly €900 million, Saudi Pro League clubs will buy less and trust their youth more. “We want to recruit players to improve the league, but we also want to develop our own players.” Europeans are warned. Money will flow less freely during this transfer window.
An internal revolution is on the horizon. The last point to note from this interview is the structural development of the championship. SPL leaders plan to “eventually privatize the rest of the league’s clubs.” Currently, only 4 clubs (Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, and Al-Nasr) are funded by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (the others are subsidized by the Ministry of Sports). Emenalo aims to go further as he positions the league in the top 10 globally. “The goal is to be the best possible,” he asserts. “Our aim is to be one of the best leagues in the world. Being number one in the future, whether it happens in 10 years, 20 years, 25 years, would be welcome. But I think we need to start by saying we want to be the best league in the world.” Nothing less.
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