2023-08-01 14:06:13
From Singapore, where his side are due to face Bayern Munich in a friendly match tomorrow, Klopp expressed concern over the likely departure of former Liverpool striker and current Bayern player Sadio Mane to Saudi club Al-Nassr.
Describing Saudi Arabia’s influence as “massive”, he explained that “the worst thing is that the transfer window in Saudi Arabia closes three weeks later (than in Europe, editor’s note)”, adding that “the Fifa and UEFA need to find solutions to that.”
Since the beginning of the year, clubs in the oil-rich country have multiplied recruits, including stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
Brazilian midfielder Fabinho on Monday became the third Reds player to leave for Saudi Arabia this summer by signing for three years at Al-Ittihad, following Jordan Henderson and Roberto Firmino.
“It already has an influence for us for sure. We will have to learn to manage it,” added Klopp.
Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel, also asked regarding the effects of recruiting Saudi clubs, linked him to the lure of the Chinese Super League a few years ago.
“It’s maybe quite similar to what happened when China started their league,” he explained. “There was a similar gold rush, and now we see another championship trying to become more popular and famous.”
“It’s a little too early to have a clear opinion,” added Tuchel, defining himself “as a surprised observer” by the situation.
© 2023 AFP
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