Man City star Rodri calls for 'action' over Saudi Pro League transfers

9 Sept 2023 18:15 BST
3 min read

Manchester City star Rodri has spoken out about the influx of players moving to the Saudi Pro League, with the Spaniard believing the footballing authorities in Europe should ‘take action’ to ‘control’ the situation.

Saudi Arabian sides spent nearly €1 billion on the likes of Neymar, Sadio Mane and Ruben Neves this summer, while young players such as Gabri Veiga turned down moves to European sides in order for a more lucrative offer from the Pro League.

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Speaking while on international duty with Spain, Rodri insisted he understood the decisions made by the players, however European football would be weakened by young talent moving to the Gulf.

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"Evidently, European football loses with this situation and it is a very particular opinion of the players who decide to go out to these leagues," Rodri said.

"It is totally understandable due to the amounts of money they offer. I think it’s a personal issue for everyone to decide for themselves.

"We Europeans don't really like it. It must be controlled in some way this drain of talent because at first it seemed like it was just veterans in the twilight of their careers, but there are young people now who are leaving. They are respectable decisions, but the people who take action must control this situation."

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Rodri also saw City teammates Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte move to Saudi Arabia this summer, for a combined total of more than €40m.

The likes of Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino and Jordan Henderson also moved to the Pro League as Saudi Arabia looked to boost their domestic game with the signings of some of football’s biggest names.

Saudi Arabia’s state investment fund, which owns more than half the teams in the league, are expecting to continue their financing for the indefinite future, with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah a target in a move that will likely cost more than €150m.

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Rodri is not the first player to have reservations over the Saudi dominance this summer, while Real Madrid star Toni Kroos also reacted strongly to Veiga’s move from Celta Vigo to Al-Ahli, with the 21-year-old turning down a transfer to Napoli in the process.