We May Be Witnessing A Revolution

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It wouldn't be out of place if one were to rename this summer transfer window "The Saudi Transfer Window" as the Middle Eastern powerhouse has taken the market by storm with its spending spree, especially since the last two transfer windows.

We saw mockery at its peak when Cristiano Ronaldo decided to move to Al-Nassr in January, with many calling him finished. I wondered, what was left for the man to prove or win? A player who has won everything there is to win in football bar the world cup.

Few months down the line, it looks like one of the greatest footballers the world has ever seen has caused a ripple influence on the league that has now attracted several big players from Europe, with more still in the offing.

Initially, we thought the goal was to lure the aging talents, like Benzema, Kante, Brozovic and the likes, but seeing even younger talents like Ruben Neves and Jota move to the Arab country showed there was more to it than just the old players.

What many may not know is that this spending spree by the Middle East Country is part of a bigger plan towards its 2030 diversification strategy. It'd be interesting to know that the country is looking to grow the value of its football to around $2.1 billion by then, increasing their annual revenue from the game from about $120 million to $480 million, reason four of its top clubs: Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad have all been moved from being state-owned to privatisation. This is a huge gamble, cum investment on the part of the Arabians.

The four aforementioned major clubs with the inclusion of Al-Ettifaq have spent close to $300 million in this transfer window alone. This is outside the fact that players like Benzema, Kante, Firmino and even Ronaldo in January were all gotten on bosman deals.

They don't seem to be done either with more names still expected to come in. Some either in the final stages of negotiations or medicals or subject to some paper works, while some are still being rumoured but remember there's no smoke without fire. The likes of Malcolm, Sadio Mane, Wilfred Zaha, Thomas Partey, Hakim Ziyech, Fabinho (almost done for Al-Ittihad), Mitrovic (almost done for Al-Hilal).

Things even took a bigger turn after PSG released a statement that they are willing to seel Mbappe this summer, rather than allow him leave for free next summer to Real Madrid, only for Al-Hilal to offer the French side $332 million for him; a player with just one year left on his contract, with a salary of $221 million that could rise to $775 with imagine rights and other endorsements. This is really crazy.

That's not all. Al-Hilal are ready to sign him for just one year (with the option of another) and release him next year to join Real Madrid for free, which is good business for PSG and it was no surprise that they have reportedly accepted the offer.

While PSG have been reported to have accepted the offer, Mbappe's camp is yet to make any statement on it, neither have they opened talks with Al-Hilal. The closest reaction from Mbappe on this was his emoji response to NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo's tweet who jokingly called on Al-Hilal to sign him as he's a look-alike of the French man.

I'd be very surprised though should Mbappe move to Saudi because it doesn't feel like it's in his plans, at leat not yet and his sight has only been set on Real Madrid. So, one more year to endure at PSG or pivot to Saudi to return to Europe next season is definitely a big call for the young lad. We'd see how this goes.

What has made this more interesting is that unlike clubs in Europe that are regulated by UEFA, the Saudi clubs are not restricted on the amount they buy players and the salaries they can offer, reason you see some crazy numbers in the news.

This is indeed a revolution in the world of football. In fact, since the turn of the year, the Saudi league has received broadcasting prominence and this is set to continue going into the new season.

I am, however, concerned about the possible negative ripple impact this may have on other clubs in Europe and how players are being priced. We already see this ongoing between Chelsea and Brighton as the latter has refused to sell Moises Caicedo to them at less than £100 million because they believe his fee should be very close to what Arsenal paid for Declan Rice (£105 million - which I also think was an overpricing on the English man).

The market was already bad enough and this may further trigger some unreasonable prices for players. Although, to be fair to clubs they have a right to value their players as much as they think they are worth.

I have also seen ex-Premier League stars like Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville calling on the FA to halt players transfers from the league to Saudi, with some quarters fearing transfer (money) laundering.

It's been an exciting summer transfer so far and it would only get more interesting, especially if your club is doing the right businesses.

What do you think of the Saudi's approach?