Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has expressed concern over the significant time difference between the transfer window closing in Saudi Arabia and in Europe. While the European transfer window shuts on 1 September, Saudi Arabia’s window remains open until 20 September. This extended duration allows Saudi clubs to continue making high-profile signings even after European clubs have concluded their transfer business.
Klopp believes that this situation could have a massive impact, particularly on European clubs, and calls for Uefa or Fifa to find solutions to address this issue. Liverpool has already been affected by players moving to Saudi Arabia, with Jordan Henderson and Fabinho joining Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad, respectively. They are among a growing group of players making the switch to the Middle Eastern country, including Roberto Firmino, who signed for Al-Ahli after his Reds contract expired.
Other prominent players, such as Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Jota, Ruben Neves, and Kalidou Koulibaly, have also joined Saudi Pro League teams. Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, has acknowledged the financial power of the Saudi Pro League, stating that it has altered the transfer market and urging elite clubs to be aware of its influence.
For Liverpool, the departure of key players like Henderson and Fabinho, along with others who left the club at the end of their contracts, has left the team facing a significant challenge. Klopp admits that the Saudi influence is already impactful and emphasizes the need to adapt to the situation. However, the long-term implications remain uncertain, and time will reveal how this extended transfer window affects European football clubs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about transfer window
Q: Why is Jurgen Klopp concerned about the transfer window closing late in Saudi Arabia?
A: Jurgen Klopp is concerned because the transfer window in Saudi Arabia remains open nearly three weeks longer than in Europe, allowing Middle East clubs to make signings even after European clubs have concluded their transfer business. This has affected Liverpool, with key players like Jordan Henderson and Fabinho moving to Saudi clubs.
Q: Which Liverpool players have joined Saudi Pro League teams this summer?
A: In the summer, Liverpool lost midfielders Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad, respectively. Additionally, Roberto Firmino signed with Al-Ahli after his contract with Liverpool expired.
Q: Who are some of the other high-profile players that have moved to Saudi Pro League clubs?
A: Other prominent players that have joined Saudi Pro League teams include Edouard Mendy and Riyad Mahrez to Al-Ahli, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Jota to Al-Ittihad, and Ruben Neves and Kalidou Koulibaly to Al-Hilal.
Q: How has the financial power of the Saudi Pro League affected the transfer market?
A: Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has stated that the financial power of the Saudi Pro League has “changed the market” for player transfers, impacting elite clubs who need to be aware of this influence.
Q: How many midfielders have Liverpool lost on a permanent basis this summer?
A: Liverpool has lost five midfielders on a permanent basis this summer, with James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita leaving the club at the end of their contracts in addition to Henderson and Fabinho’s moves to Saudi clubs.
Q: What is Jurgen Klopp’s stance on dealing with the influence of the Saudi Pro League?
A: Jurgen Klopp acknowledges that the Saudi Pro League’s influence is already significant and that Liverpool will have to learn to deal with it. However, the long-term implications remain uncertain, and only time will show the full extent of its impact on European clubs.
More about transfer window
- “Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp concerned by transfer window closing so late in Saudi Arabia” (source: The Guardian)
- “Premier League chief ‘not too concerned’ by Saudi influence” (source: BBC Sport)
- “Why is Saudi Pro League signing Premier League stars?” (source: Al Arabiya English)
- “Liverpool have already been affected by players moving to Saudi Arabia” (source: Liverpool Echo)
- “Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has said the Saudi Pro League’s financial power has ‘changed the market'” (source: The National News)
- “Al-Hilal made a world-record £259m bid for Paris St-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe” (source: Daily Mail)
- “Liverpool news, analysis and fan views” (source: BBC Sport – Liverpool)
- “Get Liverpool news notifications” (source: The Independent)
- “Listen to the latest The Red Kop podcast” (source: The Red Kop)
- “Coverage of Liverpool is bigger and better than ever before” (source: Sky Sports)
