Saudi Pro League Targets Younger Talent, Refusing to Become a ‘Retirement Home’ for Premier League Stars

By Mahmoud Beltagy On Aug 10, 2023

The Saudi Pro League (SPL) has made significant waves in the transfer window, securing big names like Ballon D’or winner Karim Benzema and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson. However, Michael Emenalo, the SPL’s Director of Football for Player Acquisition, has clarified that the league isn’t becoming a retirement home for Premier League stars.

As top-tier clubs brace for last-minute bids for their top talent from the Middle East, Emenalo stated that the Saudis are eyeing influential players in their twenties ahead of the new season. The recent bids for PSG’s Kylian Mbappe and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, both 24, are clear indicators of the Saudi ambition. Emenalo affirmed, “The recruitments around the SPL will be geared towards making sure we attract the best players, regardless of age.”

𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐳𝐞𝐦𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧! 🔥⚽️ pic.twitter.com/uSvBZv7grs

— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) August 2, 2023

Emenalo, formerly the Technical Director at Chelsea, debunked the notion of the SPL being a retirement destination. He pointed out the age range of recent signings: “Ronaldo is still a world-class player at 38 years old. But then, we signed Karim Benzema, who is three years younger. Followed by Mahrez a year younger and then Ruben Neves at 26. It was never intended to be a retirement home. The idea is to ensure incoming players can develop local, national, and youth players.”

Emenalo expressed that more players are open to discussions as their contracts run down. “It’s a combination of signing the right players at the right time,” he explained. “Players have started to take ownership of their own careers, understanding that they are a corporation to themselves.”

He reflected on the early years of the Premier League: “Foreign players came for the money. Now, they come for the excitement and the prestige. We aim to establish the same with the SPL. There will be an economic incentive, but you will also have a chance to enjoy and prolong your career with us.”

The SPL’s aggressive transfer strategy has attracted the attention of streaming giant DAZN, which is set to finalize a TV rights deal for the league. When questioned whether a Saudi club could rival Bayern Munich’s attempts to sign Tottenham’s Harry Kane, Emenalo diplomatically responded, “Harry Kane belongs to a club, and we respect existing contracts. However, the SPL is ready to welcome everyone, including talents like Harry Kane. Our league and infrastructure are set to accommodate top-tier talents and their families. Whoever is ready to come, no matter their status, we’re ready for them.”