While the transfer market is open, there is business to be done, and the Saudi Pro League teams will continue to demand on particular targets from Europe’s major clubs, notably Manchester City.
Riyad Mahrez has already moved to the Middle East, following a number of his colleagues there in a summer dominated by the Pro League trying everything it can to be viewed as a world footballing force.
Perhaps more concerning, the window in Saudi Arabia remains open for three weeks after the European window closes, implying that players could be poached well after the European deadline and clubs won’t be able to replace them until January.
It’s no use believing it won’t happen either, given the amount of money that’s being bandied around at present.
Players simply don’t want to miss out on this ‘gold rush’ effect and get left behind whilst their team-mates take the decision to earn ludicrous sums of money that will ensure they and their families are set for life.
The latest City star to be linked to a move is centre-back, Aymeric Laporte.
Reliable journalist, Fabrizio Romano, has tweeted that Al Nassr, home to Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and others, have improved their salary offer to the player.
He also mentions that City are prepared to give the green light to any deal, so the matter is very much now in the player’s own hands.
