Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has urged UEFA to protect European leagues from the financial threat posed by the Saudi Pro League. Klopp rejected UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin’s claim that the Saudi league does not pose a threat to European football, stating that the next two weeks will determine the extent of the challenge for clubs like Liverpool.
Sources revealed that Liverpool recently turned down a £150 million ($190m) offer from Al Ittihad for star forward Mohamed Salah, with the player being declared “not for sale” by a Liverpool source. However, with the transfer window for Saudi Pro League teams open until September 20, there is still a possibility of further offers for Salah.
Despite Ceferin’s statement that the Saudi league mainly appeals to aging players, Klopp believes it is premature to dismiss the threat posed by the emerging league. He emphasized the need for UEFA or relevant authorities to closely monitor the situation, as the stability and impact of the Saudi league are still unclear.
Klopp expressed concern and called for measures to ensure that European leagues remain strong and competitive in the face of the financial power and influence of leagues like the Saudi Pro League. The impact of this threat is already being felt by Liverpool, with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson having already left the club to join Saudi Pro League clubs. There have even been reports linking the league with a move for Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
While Klopp admitted that he has not yet watched any games in the Saudi Pro League, he acknowledged the increasing activity and impact of Saudi Arabian clubs. His comments highlight the need for clubs, leagues, and governing bodies to adapt and strengthen regulations in order to address this financial power and influence. UEFA will now be under pressure to take action and protect the integrity of European competitions amid the growing threat from the Saudi Pro League.
In conclusion, Jurgen Klopp’s urgent call to UEFA to protect European leagues from the financial threat of the Saudi Pro League highlights the need for action and regulation to address this emerging challenge. As Liverpool and other clubs face the potential loss of key players, it is clear that measures must be taken to ensure the stability and competitiveness of European football.
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