A number of Premier League figures have spoken up about the movement of several big names to the Saudi Pro League, but Michael Emenalo has a different opinion
No wonder Jurgen Klopp is concerned.
No wonder Pep Guardiola and Premier League chief Richard Masters have warned the top flight “to be aware” of the scale of the Saudi Pro League’s ambition. Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and Manchester City Treble winner Riyad Mahrez have already joined the exodus to the competition the players are all talking about.
And the Saudis could not have picked a more respected, astute operator to help smooth negotiations than Michael Emenalo. The ex-Chelsea Technical Director is now the Saudis’ Director of Football for Player Acquisition.
He has joined a skilled team of strategists, data analysts, scouts and specialists led by CEO Saad Allazeez – all geared towards recruiting A-listers and easing the fears of stars keen to embrace football’s newest adventure. While Klopp fears the longer Saudi window leaves top Premier League players up for grabs in early September, Emenalo sees the “disruption” as healthy.