Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Football, Premier League
Marcus Chan
Topics: Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Football, Premier League
The Saudi Professional League have reportedly agreed on a major rule change which could have a huge impact on European football.
During the summer transfer window, clubs in the Saudi Professional League were spending big as they looked to lure some of Europe’s biggest names to the Middle East.
Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr in January, the likes of Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Neymar, Jordan Henderson and Riyad Mahrez all joined Saudi Arabian clubs in the summer.
Al Ittihad tried to lure Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah to Saudi Arabia in the latter stages of the transfer window but their efforts were swiftly rebuffed by the Anfield club.
Now, it has been reported that a new major rule change has been agreed ahead of the 24/25 season.
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According to journalist Ben Jacobs, who wrote on social media: “The Saudi Pro League has agreed a rule change for 2024/25 allowing for 25 roster players and an increase on the foreign quota from eight to ten.
“Only eight foreigners can participate per match, but ten can be registered from next season.”
Earlier in the month, the Saudi Professional League’s chief, Michael Emenalo outlined his plans for future transfer windows.
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He said to Sky Sports: “Mo Salah, like Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, these are players that when there is a sense of availability for them, we are willing to listen.
“We also understand that Mo is happy at where he is at present and in a historic, wonderful club at Liverpool. We respect that very much, and we don't want to come across as putting any pressure on him.”
Emenalo added: “But if there is any interest to do something, Mo Salah is a player that you want in your league, in any league. Our position is very clear - any of these players know where we are.
“If there's any interest in being part of what we are trying to build now or for the future, you can't turn down an opportunity to see if Kylian Mbappe can join us. Kylian is someone I love as a player.”