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Saudi Pro League announces change in transfer plans

Saudi Arabia
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After welcoming some of the biggest names in football last summer, the Saudi Pro League will adopt a different transfer plan from now on.

The Saudi Pro League (SPL) will focus on quality over quantity in future transfer windows, according to the director of football Michael Emenalo.

While speaking to the SPL, Emenalo said the league will not sign as many players as it did last summer. The director emphasized the priority is to sign footballers of the ‘highest level’. These comments come after a year laden with big signings like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar.

“Whatever additional improvement that we need to do for any club, with time on our hands and preparation, we believe will be additions of the highest level,” Emenalo said.

“I’m hoping it [January] is not very busy. I think the job that was done has been quite interesting and aggressive. Most of the clubs, I believe, have what they need. Hopefully, the attention will now turn to work within the training facilities to improve these players and to allow the time to adapt and perform.”

Emenalo added that Saudi Arabia now plans to exploit its star signings to bolster home-grown talent. The country is hoping to host the 2034 World Cup and will want a competitive performance from its national team.

The Saudi Pro League resumes on November 24 after the end of the current international break. The first game will see Al-Taawoun FC host Al-Riyadh SC in Buraydah. The two clubs currently lie 13 points apart in the standings, with Al-Taawoun in fourth and Al-Riyadh down in 14th.

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