Threat to Europe’s top clubs? Saudi Pro League transfer window open three weeks longer

The fact that the transfer deadline for clubs in Saudi Arabia ends three weeks later than in Europe’s major leagues is also worrying financially strong clubs as deadline day in most competitions approaches on September 1. The situation is causing increasing uncertainty in terms of squad planning in view of the unrestrained shopping spree of numerous Saudi Pro League clubs. Liverpool head coach Jürgen Klopp has already urged FIFA and UEFA to find a unified solution at the beginning of August. The European exodus began in January when Al-Nassr completed a move for five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

With the signings of numerous top stars these days, the SPL is on its way to cracking the 1bn mark in total market value. The amounts of money involved in Neymar’s transfer to Al-Hilal alone highlighted the financial power with which the league, which is backed by state investors, is gearing up this summer. The Saudi side have the highest net spend in the world in 2023/24, ahead of Premier League club Arsenal. “The financial conditions of this league are absolutely extraordinary,” Klopp recently said in an interview with German TV channel Sport1.

Liverpool have also already lost three players – Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Roberto Firmino – to clubs in Saudi Arabia. Klopp sees no end in sight for the investments. “Bobby’s contract has expired,” Klopp said. “Of course, he can go then and do what he wants. He just decided to do that and that’s completely fine. Then when Hendo and Fabinho sat in my office and talked to me about it, I knew when I learned more about the modalities that we have practically no chance to do anything against it.”

Threat or opportunity? SPL spending spree to continue until September 20

The transfer window in Saudi Arabia is open until September 20, meaning SPL clubs will continue their pursuit of footballers from Europe’s top leagues throughout the month. This could cause major problems for clubs affected as their players could be lured to the Middle East with huge potential salaries and there would be no opportunity to replace them before the beginning of 2024.

Initially, the Saudi Arabian spending spree had come at the right time for several Premier League clubs who had to balance their books, however. Players like Liverpool midfielder Fabinho and Wolves’ Rúben Neves moved for fees above their current market values and huge salaries of ageing stars could be offloaded to a competition where money and financial restrictions are currently not an issue.

IThe top 5 leagues should continue to benefit from that in the short term, as it offers an opportunity for clubs to get rid of players on huge contracts who did not fulfil their potential – the Premier League alone sold footballers for a total of almost €280 million to Saudi clubs this summer. In the future, more and more young players in their prime could follow the call of money and generational wealth, however, and the opportunity could become a threat.