Transfer Centre

Nasser Al-Khelaifi plays down Saudi Pro League threat to European football

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 08 September 2023

European Club Association chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi insists that there is no major threat from the Saudi Pro League on the European game.

European Club Association chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi has insisted that there is no major threat from the Saudi Pro League on the European game.

Some of the biggest names in world football, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Neymar, now play their club football in Saudi Arabia's top division.

Sadio Mane, N'Golo Kante and Fabinho are also among those to have moved to the Saudi Pro League this summer, with the bulk of the standout business being completed by Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al Ahli and Al-Ittihad, who are the four clubs owned by the Public Investment Fund.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who watched Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte leave his club for Saudi this summer, has claimed that the league's business is worrying.

However, Al-Khelaifi, who is also the president of Paris Saint-Germain, has said that the ECA are not overly concerned by what is happening in Saudi Arabia.

Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their third goal on May 23, 2023 © Reuters

"I don't think there is a danger," said the ECA chairman. "We believe in ourselves. We have the best and biggest competitions and the best players. It is not for me to judge what is happening outside of Europe.

"But listen, most of the clubs sold players to them. If we are not happy, why do we sell our players to them? That's the truth.

"Is it dangerous? I told you my opinion. If there is a danger, the European clubs will not be quiet. So far, I don't see any danger."

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen, who is ECA vice-president, has also insisted that he is not worried.

Al-Ittihad new signing Karim Benzema waves to fans as he holds the Ballon d'Or trophy during his presentation on June 7, 2023 © Reuters

"We shouldn't be worried about it," said Dreesen. "We have fantastic competitions. We don't have to be afraid. But I would prefer the window to be closed at the same time. I would propose that."

Al-Ittihad attempted to sign Mohamed Salah in the closing stages of the Saudi transfer window but were ultimately unable to convince Liverpool to sell.

Neymar, who has joined Al-Hilal from PSG, has claimed that the Saudi Pro League is "maybe" better than Ligue 1 due to the business that has occurred this summer.

Ruben Neves's transfer to Al-Hilal also caught the eye, as the Portugal international had been linked with some of Europe's biggest clubs including Manchester United, Arsenal and Barcelona.

Al-Ettifaq attempted to sign Jadon Sancho before Thursday's deadline, meanwhile, but the move allegedly broke down due to Man United's insistence on a £50m purchase fee.