Saudi Arabia has warned Premier League clubs that it will re-enter the market for their top players in January. According to Michael Emenalo, transfer chief for the Gulf state, any additions in the upcoming window will be exclusive of the “highest level.” Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah, Jadon Sancho and Hueng Min Son all are in the targeted list by the Saudi Pro League.
“Whatever additional improvement that we need to do for any club, with time on our hands and preparation, we believe will be additions of the highest level.” Emenalo said as quoted by The Sun.
According to The Sun, Saudi Pro League clubs spent a whopping £784 million on acquisitions this summer to bolster their rosters. Almost 90% of that money came from state-backed clubs run by the Public Investment Fund.
Among the biggest names to join Cristiano Ronaldo in the SPL were Karim Benzema, Neymar, and Sadio Mane. However, Emenalo claims that their business will be less chaotic in the future and that they will only target top-tier players.
Following the rejection of a £150 million deal in the summer, Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is the main priority. A relocation in January, however, appears doubtful. Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane are also targets. Tottenham Hotspur stars Son Heung-min and Richarlison have also been linked.
Emenalo has been assigned the task with encouraging more domestic talent in preparation for Saudi Arabia hosting the World Cup in 2034. Saudi Arabia widely offered Fifa the only bid, with several Asian countries supporting it. Emenalo maintained that the league is unlikely to attract any top talent during the winter transfer window. However, it will continue to seek for ways to improve the league’s quality.
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