Saudi Pro League to introduce new rule which will help target 'the world's best young talent'

Clubs in the Saudi Pro League will change their transfer strategy after agreeing on a new rule regarding overseas players.

Over the last 12 months, cash-rich sides in the Middle East have splashed out a whopping £700 million on players.

Several big names left Europe, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neymar, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez and Jordan Henderson.

Ronaldo and Benzema are former Ballon d'Or winners and the rest are Champions League winners, which was seen as a way to increase the Saudi Pro League's visibility.

What can't be changed is they're all approaching the end of their careers and don't offer long-term guarantees.

Per the Daily Mail, Saudi teams are expected to increase the number of overseas players permitted in each squad from eight to 10 in the next few months ahead of the summer transfer window.

With that rule change will come an age restriction regarding players they can sign.

Saudi outfits will shift away from signing veterans and instead target the best players in academies across Europe and South America.

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The move has been discussed at length and will be revisited at the end of the current season. It could be a headache for those

who can't compete with Saudi A finances.

Earlier this week, it was reported that some stars are already looking to leave the Saudi Pro League.

Henderson is keen to depart Al Ettifaq following a poor run of results, while Firmino is struggling at Al Ahli.

Pro League vice chairman Saad Allazeez shot down rumours of unrest among the Saudi hierarchy, claiming they're ‘more than satisfied' with the competition's progress.

Games in the country have been plagued by low attendance figures when players such as Ronaldo aren't in action.

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Allazeez explained in a statement: "Saudi is a footballing nation and our new strategy, which was introduced at the start of this season, is all about long-term sustainable growth with the aim of becoming one of the top leagues in the world.

"We are more than satisfied with what has been achieved in the first five months. Everything is trending in the right direction. We’re in a very healthy position. However, we know football never stops and this is only the first step on a long journey ahead."