The director of football for the Saudi Pro League, Michael Emenalo, has expressed interest in bringing some of the world’s top footballers to the Middle East. Emenalo, who previously held roles at Chelsea and AS Monaco, revealed that there is a strong desire to lure players such as Lionel Messi, Kevin De Bruyne, Kylian Mbappe, and Mohamed Salah to the Saudi Pro League.
Several PIF-backed clubs in Saudi Arabia, including Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad, have been aggressively pursuing top talent in recent months. Players like Karim Benzema, Neymar, Sadio Mane, N’Golo Kante, and Riyad Mahrez have already signed lucrative contracts with Saudi clubs, making them some of the highest paid footballers in the world.
According to Emenalo, the big spending is set to continue in 2022, with Mohamed Salah and Casemiro among the top targets. In an interview with Sky Sports, Emenalo confirmed that the Saudi Pro League is interested in prising away top players from Europe and the US, emphasizing their willingness to listen to offers for players like Mo Salah, Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kevin De Bruyne.
Emenalo also expressed respect for the clubs that the players are currently at, acknowledging that they do not want to pressure them into making a move to Saudi Arabia. Despite this, he made it clear that players like Salah are highly sought after and would be welcomed in any league.
He extended an open invitation to Lionel Messi, who recently joined Inter Miami, expressing a desire to see the football legend bring his skills to the Saudi Pro League. Emenalo stated that if Messi is willing and ambitious to perform in Saudi Arabia, they will work hard to find him a club.
The conversation also extended to Kylian Mbappe, who was the subject of a record-breaking transfer bid from Al Hilal last summer and is set to become a free agent this summer. According to Emenalo, the Saudi Pro League remains open to the possibility of signing Mbappe and believes that it would be an incredible opportunity for the league.
Ultimately, Emenalo’s comments shed light on the ambitious plans of the Saudi Pro League to attract some of the best players in the world to the Middle East. While the outcome remains uncertain, it is clear that the league is prepared to make significant moves to secure top talent and elevate its status in the world of football.
