August 26, (THEWILL) – Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has called for the Saudi Pro League transfer deadline to be brought in line with Europe’s window dates.
Arteta’s reason is that the Saudi league has now become a major competitor for English Premier League clubs. THEWILL recalls that the deadline for most European leagues is September 1, but Saudi clubs can still purchase players for an additional 19 days after that date. This means they are able to make approaches for players in England and elsewhere without the possibility of those clubs being able to find replacements.
The summer transfer window has seen a number of high-profile EPL players make big-money moves to Saudi Arabia. The likes of Liverpool’s duo, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante and Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez have all departed England, reflecting the financial muscle of the Middle Eastern league.
In addition, global superstars such as Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar, Karim Benzema and Sadio Mane have also joined Saudi teams. Arsenal’s own midfielder, Thomas Partey, has been linked with a move there, though the club now have no plans to sell him this late in the window.
Speaking at a press conference before Arsenal’s match with Fulham, Arteta gave his view that the Saudi deadline should be brought forward to September 1st. He stated: “No, because it is a competitor now. No, I think we have to change that.”
The Spaniard believes EPL clubs are at a disadvantage if they sell players after September 1st but then cannot sign replacements. He admitted players have the freedom to move where they want, but synchronised deadlines would be fairer.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
