Saudi Arabia’s humbling of eventual World Cup winners Argentina in Qatar sent shock waves through football.
But the way things are going in the Saudi Arabia Pro-League, that moment in Middle East history will merely end up being a ripple on the footballing Richter scale. Because even the riches of the Premier League are under threat as the country’s sovereign wealth fund which has recently taken over its four biggest clubs can blow any side out of the water with its mind blowing financial offers to players.
Although Lionel Messi was able to turn down a £320 million a year package to join Al-Hilal in favour of David Beckham ’s MLS side Inter Miami, Real Madrid ’s French superstar Karim Benzema couldn’t resist the £350 million from Al-Ittihad over two years which equates to a staggering £3.3 million a week.
No wonder it’s becoming a footballing goldrush for players in the twilights of their careers but still with something to offer. After all Benzema is the current holder of the Ballon d’Or.
The mounting fear is that with a limitless budget when it comes to players salaries and no doubt transfer fees, the big name stars at the peak of their powers could be tempted away from Europe’s top leagues including the Premier League. A leading agent with a player who is interesting the Saudis admitted: “Who wouldn’t be interested in setting themselves up for life through a season or two in Saudi Arabia?
“What is happening is that the likes of myself are being sounded out instead of the clubs in the knowledge that astronomical salaries would tempt any player. It’s got to be a concern in the long term for the European Leagues especially with UEFA discussing a possible wage cap for clubs which obviously wouldn’t be in the interest of the players.”
Cristiano Ronaldo led the way leaving Manchester United to join Al-Nassr on a £173million a year deal. His capture inspired Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after seeing attendances grow and interest in Saudi football soar to accelerate his drive for global recognition.
The country’s critics who point to the many human rights abuses insist it’s sportswashing, the next major move in sport following the LIV takeover of golf. But Bin Salman is on a roll with designs on staging a future World Cup and the Olympics with boxing and Formula One already on the Saudi roster.
It was no coincidence that during the World Cup in Qatar he was often seen in the vicinity of FIFA president Gianni Infantino. But even Infantino must be surprised at the speed and the scale of cash in which the Pro-league is being transformed into a football power.
Chelsea have said goodbye to midfield dynamo N’Golo Kante who has been enticed by an £82million a year offer from Al-Ittihad while Real Madrid’s Luka Modric is amongst a clutch of other stars contemplating a new life in Saudi. Feelers have been put out to Manchester City stars Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez, Liverpool ’s departed Roberto Firmino, Tottenham ’s Hugo Lloris and Crystal Palace ’s Wilfried Zaha.
The wish list is getting longer and more ambitious with Neymar at Paris Saint-Germain a target. That’s the concern for the Premier League. Will the Saudis soon come calling for the likes of Harry Kane, Jack Grealish and Mo Salah?
