Saudi Arabia-Michael Emenalo: "I understand the concern of European clubs..."

After landing Cristiano Ronaldo, football watchers saw Saudi Arabia as a new El Dorado for players at the end of their careers. Not so. Saudi clubs have in fact also pulled in other big names from European football, as well as players in their prime. Ruben Neves, Sergei Milinkovic-Savic, Gabri Veiga, Otavio... Despite interest from heavyweight European clubs, they chose to join the Saudi Pro League bandwagon. A background figure, Michael Emenalo is one of the cornerstones of the project. And he explains how he and his team pulled off such a feat. The Nigerian is well aware that European clubs now fear their Saudi counterparts, particularly since, unlike the major leagues in Europe, the transfer window in Saudi Arabia has not yet closed (it ends on 07 September).

"We have the possibility of recruiting until that date. I understand the concern of European clubs, but they have no reason to be afraid. If players have contracts with their clubs, they can decide not to sell and there will be no problem for them. I don't think one more week will make them change their minds. Besides, Saudi Arabia is an opportunity for players who have not been able to negotiate what they wanted at their clubs or who have been left out in the cold," Michael Emenalo told Marca in an interview.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the trailblazer

Anyone talking about the Saudi league inevitably talks about Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese was the catalyst when he signed for Al-Nassr on 30 December 2022. Michael Emenalo is well aware of the importance of the former Real Madrid man. The former Monaco sporting director also praises the professionalism of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. "We see it in his matches: he is motivated to keep being one of the best in the world; Benzema runs until the last minute; Kanté, the same... We expect them to be superstars on the pitch, not on paper. We want them to be role models and ambassadors for children off the pitch, not just footballers but leaders for the youth of this country".

In football, it is hard to mention Cristiano Ronaldo without linking him to Lionel Messi. The Argentine came close to joining his lifelong rival in the Saudi league. However, he ultimately chose the United States. A "failure" that Michael Emenalo does not regret. "We are not frustrated by his (non-)signing. We are perhaps a little disappointed, because we want the best, but as lovers of football, we are happy that Leo is happy in Miami. We respect his decision, because players are free. Our offer was competitive, but we respect what he decided and why he decided it. We must strive for ever higher standards so that we can attract players".

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