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Rodri calls for greater control of Saudi Arabia transfers

Rodri calls for greater control of Saudi Arabia transfers
© Reuters
Manchester City midfielder Rodri says that a greater control of Saudi Arabia's transfer business is needed in the future.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has said that greater control of Saudi Arabia's transfer business is needed due to the amount of European players deciding to make the move to the Saudi Pro League.

Cristiano Ronaldo hit the headlines when he joined Al-Nassr earlier this year, and there has been a steady flow of big names moving from Europe to Saudi Arabia this summer.

Al-Ittihad were unable to sign Mohamed Salah from Liverpool despite their best efforts, but the likes of Neymar, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, N'Golo Kante and Fabinho have moved to Saudi Arabia during the recent transfer window.

Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte left Man City over the summer for Al Ahli and Al-Nassr respectively, and Rodri has said that the current situation is concerning for European football.

The midfielder was asked about the Saudi Pro League transfers while on international duty with Spain, with La Roja preparing for Friday's Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia.

Al-Ittihad new signing Karim Benzema waves to fans as he holds the Ballon d'Or trophy during his presentation on June 7, 2023© Reuters

"Obviously European football loses out in this situation and it is a very particular view of the players who decide to leave for these leagues," Rodri told reporters.

"It is totally understandable because of the amounts of money they offer. I would take it to a personal issue.

"You have to somehow control this drain of talent because at the beginning it seemed that they were veterans in the twilight of their careers, but there are already young players who are going.

"These are respectable decisions, but the people who take action have to control this situation."

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets during training on July 18, 2023© Reuters

Saudi Arabia were unable to lure Lionel Messi to their top division this summer, though, as the Argentina international instead decided to make the move to the MLS with Inter Miami.

Al-Hilal, Al Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad were able to do the bulk of the standout business, with the four teams owned by the Public Investment Fund.

However, Al Ettifaq, who are managed by Steven Gerrard, managed to bring Jordan Henderson, Moussa Dembele, Demarai Gray and Georginio Wijnaldum to the club.

Al Shabab also signed Yannick Carrasco from Atletico Madrid, with the 30-year-old completing a move to the club in the latter stages of their transfer window.

Al Ettifaq were strongly linked with a move for Jadon Sancho before Thursday's transfer deadline, but Manchester United's desire to include a £50m obligation to buy in the initial loan switch allegedly ended the Saudi outfit's hopes of a deal.

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