For coach Jürgen Klopp, the spending frenzy of Saudi Arabian clubs is no surprise.
“The financial conditions of this league are absolutely extraordinary,” said the coach of the English top club FC Liverpool in an interview with the TV channel “Sport1”: “I would say there are almost no limits. Who can sign Cristiano Ronaldo and him can pay definitely has no more limits.”
In particular, the four top clubs Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr (both from Riyadh), Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad (both from Jeddah) have made massive investments in the squad this summer, and well-known players such as Neymar (Al-Hilal ) obligated. This year, they were taken over by the Saudi state fund Public Investment Fund (PIF), 75 percent each. The sovereign wealth fund is headed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who effectively controls the country.
Liverpool players also moved to the Kingdom
“I don’t know to what extent and how long they want to go through with it and how big they will be,” said Klopp. Three players have also moved to the Kingdom from Liverpool during this transfer period: Roberto Firmino, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
He believes that Saudi Arabia, like Qatar, is also interested in “developing their own football and their own players,” said Klopp. Then the clubs would have to limit the Saudi Pro League “to the extent that the clubs can’t just fill their team with foreigners,” said Klopp: “It will be interesting to watch.” However, the 56-year-old believes that things will “definitely” change.
Critics say that Saudi Arabia also wants to improve its image by investing in professional football and is doing sports washing. “As far as the human rights situation goes, it’s super difficult to comment and not burn your mouth, no matter which direction,” said Klopp evasively. But he hopes for a positive effect: “If more and more players come there and more and more reports are made, we will understand more what is important and things will change more for the better. I’m actually convinced of that.”