Players moving to the Saudi Pro League are motivated by the opportunity to “define their legacy” and not just the financial incentive, according to the league’s new director of football Michael Emenalo.
The Saudi Arabia ministry of sport announced in June that the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) will take control of four teams in the Saudi Pro League — Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal and Al Nassr — and this has led to an influx in overseas talent.
Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Ruben Neves are among a number of players who have moved to the SPL from Europe during the transfer window, while Bernardo Silva and Jordan Henderson have also received lucrative offers from Saudi clubs.
“Footballers are not completely ignorant of what the industry is about,” Emenalo said.
“They recognise when something is happening and you have to have conversations with them, not just the agent, and explain to them what the league is about.
Emenalo unveiling Kante at Chelsea (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
“So if a lot of them are making this decision, it’s not necessarily because of the economic side of the opportunity. It’s also because they recognise that this is going to be something that defines their legacy and they have an opportunity to contribute something special.
“And that’s what every footballer is looking for; they’re looking for greater competition and an opportunity to do something exceptional and special.
“And I think the league offers them that and this is why right now there is a really spectacular interest from all around the world, from players to join our league.”
Emenalo occupied a similar role at Chelsea between 2011-2017, overseeing a hugely successful period across the men’s, women’s and academy sides at the west London club.
The 2023-24 SPL season begins on August 11.
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(Photo: Al Ittihad Football Club / Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
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