Klopp warns Premier League rivals of ‘WORST’ Saudi transfer scenario

Updated: 2 Aug 2023 07:57 BST
3 min read

Jurgen Klopp, Saudi Arabia, Premier League — © ProShots

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has sent a stark warning to his Premier League rivals that the Saudi Pro League will could plunder their ranks deep into September.

While the Premier League transfer window shuts on 1 September, clubs in the big-spending Gulf league are able to buy players until the 20th of the same month – a position that Klopp believes could wreak havoc with European teams.

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Liverpool have already seen Roberto Firmino and Jordan Henderson depart the club to move to the Saudi Pro League this summer, while Anfield legend Steven Gerrard has joined them to manage Al-Ettifaq and Sadio Mane has joined Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr following a one-season spell at Bayern Munich.

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Klopp, therefore, believes a storm could be brewing and has called upon FIFA and UEFA to take action.

“It is massive, at the moment," Klopp told the media when he was asked about the influence of the Saudi Pro League currently.

“Pretty much the worst thing I think is that the transfer window in Saudi Arabia is open three weeks longer. If I am right, I heard something like that, then at least in Europe that's not helpful.

“UEFA or FIFA must find solutions for that. But in the end, at this moment, I don't know exactly what will happen.”

It is a clear and stark warning for the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City – and every other Premier League side.

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© ProShots - Jordan Henderson's move to the Saudi Pro League has created a storm

Saudi Pro League continues to change the game

Klopp’s comments come quickly on the heels of those of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who warned that the influence of Saudi Arabia has “changed the market”, a statement underlined by the fact Al-Hilal offered €300 million for PSG attacker Kylian Mbappe.

This has certainly been the case for the Reds, whose transfer plans have been altered by losing Henderson and Fabinho, as Klopp tacitly admitted.

“It is already influential, for us, for sure. We will have to learn to deal with it, and that's what we do,” he explained.

“That’s pretty much all I can say about it. Time will show.”