Europe's football-business shivers in the shadow of Saudi petrodollars

 Europe's football-business shivers in the shadow of Saudi petrodollars

Europe's football-business shivers in the shadow of Saudi petrodollars

130 years ago, Jack Southworth made a move from Blackburn to Everton for £400. It is believed that this was the first-ever transfer in football for financial gain. Since then, the waters of the football transfer market have flowed a long way.

Europe's football-business shivers in the shadow of Saudi petrodollars

From the grassroots and passion for the game, football has gradually shifted its focus towards commercialization. Over time, it's not just the players who have become entertainers, but they have also become profitable "products" in various ways.

Furthermore, every year, the transfer window opens twice, further fueling the football economy. However, these transfers aren't just about changing teams; they often result in a rapid increase in earnings for the players involved. Sometimes, the on-field performance takes a backseat to financial calculations in the world of football.

This commercialization of football was described by Uruguayan sports writer Eduardo Galeano, who wrote, "Today's game has turned into a spectacle, with some joyless performers and countless spectators. This spectacle has become a big business, not for promoting the game but for obstructing it." While it hasn't directly hindered the game, the entertainment-centric mindset has certainly altered the course of football.

This phenomenon of commercialization has now reached Saudi Arabia too. Those who recently wrapped up their European adventures have chosen the Gulf nation as their next destination. The likes of Karim Benzema, Neymar, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mané, Jordan Henderson, and numerous other football stars have joined clubs there, many of whom could have continued playing in Europe for a few more seasons. 

While Saudi Arabia has welcomed these players, including Lionel Messi, who moved to the United States in June, this shift has somewhat threatened European football's dominance. The impact of Saudi Arabian clubs, backed by petrodollar riches, has shaken the foundations of European football. 

The assault on European football began with Cristiano Ronaldo's departure. He left as one of the best-paid footballers in history, moving to Saudi Arabia for a record £210 million, ending an illustrious European career at the age of 39. Ronaldo's move and the subsequent performances have not raised major concerns. 

The same could not be said for Lionel Messi, who at 35 years old opted to leave Saudi Arabia in June. Messi's request to change direction has added fuel to the fire in the past four months. The likes of Karim Benzema, Neymar, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mané, and Jordan Henderson, among others, have been lured by Saudi Arabia's financial offerings, and most of them could have played a few more seasons in Europe. 

Saudi Arabia's deep pockets have enticed these football stars to join their ranks, and a significant portion of them could have continued playing in Europe for a few more seasons if they wished. But the lure of financial gain has eclipsed dreams or desires for further European play in the face of this intense flow of money.

Changes in football are never permanent. What Saudi Arabia did to European football over the past decade or so may change again in the future. However, it's clear that the tides of football's financial current have redirected the dreams and ambitions of players in Europe.

Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp had said days ago, "Financial issues are causing a lot of problems." However, this problem primarily exists in Europe. Clubs in Europe are struggling to maintain their players' salaries. Just last night, Saudi club Al Ittihad made a £150 million offer for Mohamed Salah. After rejecting that offer, they are now increasing it by an additional £50 million. Resisting such offers is quite challenging, whether it's for a club or a player.

Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City coach, had stated that Saudi Arabia offered such a substantial amount for Riyad Mahrez that it's hard to say anything against it. Contrary to the financial muscle of European powerhouses, this quietness among the European powerhouses is an excellent opportunity for Saudi clubs, as mentioned by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin. He said, "It's not a threat. We've seen the same thing with China. They bought players for massive amounts, but it didn't improve Chinese football. Then their country didn't even qualify for the World Cup."

Despite Čeferin's words, Saudi Arabia's approach and China's player acquisition processes are not entirely similar. China struggled to establish a structured process, while several top European clubs have Arab owners. Over the past two decades, European football has flourished in the embrace of these clubs. So, challenging China with Saudi Arabia could create a clash in reality, which might pose risks for Čeferin, apart from the benefits.

Not long ago, Saudi Pro League hired former Nigerian footballer Michael Emenalo as its first-ever football director. His primary role will involve overseeing player transfers. Emenalo previously worked at Chelsea, where he handled player acquisitions, scouting, and other aspects of football operations. His influence extends to acquiring talents like Hakim Ziyech, Thiago Couto, Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, Eñes Ünal, Eden Hazard, and Sess Fábregas.

Each of these players has displayed their capabilities in Europe over time. Many consider them as leaders in football. It's not long ago that Saudi Arabia offered £300 million for 24-year-old Kylian Mbappé. And they've already acquired promising Spanish central midfielder, 21-year-old Fabri Vega, for Al Ahli. Yes, it's true that young talents still prefer Europe for now.

However, if Saudi Arabia continues down this path for the next few seasons, it might alter the aspirations of young talents. They always follow their role models. Those players who now represent Saudi Arabia can inspire the next generation to choose Saudi Arabia over Europe. If that happens, European football may be waiting for a significant change in the near future. Amid this, the financial cost of squad changes has placed Pro League just behind the English Premier League.

Apart from this, UEFA's self-made policies can also become a stumbling block for them. Policies related to squad changes and financial regulations could pose challenges for Saudi clubs. The strict enforcement of these rules by UEFA may force European clubs to reconsider their strategies. They might have to think anew about issues like squad change deadlines and financial policies. Coaches like Jürgen Klopp have already emphasized the importance of aligning squad change timelines with their European counterparts.

City coach Pep Guardiola has also warned Saudi Arabia to be cautious when it comes to club changes. Yes, it's time to be cautious. Otherwise, like the cherished memories of past in Latin American football, Europe might also need to adapt to new realities.