Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp

‘Worst thing’ – Klopp highlights big Saudi Pro League concern

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says he is concerned by the Saudi Pro League transfer deadline being later than that for clubs in Europe.

The Reds have already seen midfielders Jordan Henderson and Fabinho head to Saudi Arabia this summer, joining Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad respectively.

Saudi Arabia’s transfer window does not close until September 20, while the Premier League’s slams shut on September 1.

And Klopp has urged FIFA and UEFA to “find solutions” to this, believing this could lead to clubs being left not being able to replace key players should they join the Saudi Pro League after September 1.

“It is massive, in the moment,” Klopp said.

“Pretty much the worst thing I think is that the transfer window in Saudi Arabia is open three weeks longer.

“If I am right, I heard something like that, then at least in Europe that’s not helpful. UEFA or FIFA must find solutions for that. 

“But in the end, at this moment, I don’t know exactly what will happen.

“It is already influential, for us, for sure. We will have to learn to deal with it, and that’s what we do.

“That’s pretty much all I can say about it, time will show.”

It comes after rival boss Pep Guardiola also issued a warning about the impact the spending of Saudi Pro League clubs is having on the transfer market, following the departure of Riyad Mahrez to Al-Ahli.

“A few months ago when Cristiano (Ronaldo) was the only one to go, no one thought this many top, top players would play in the Saudi league,” the Manchester City manager explained.

“In the future there will be more and that’s why clubs need to be aware of what is happening.

“Saudi is not about being a threat, it is a reality. They want to create a strong league and so far they are the league who can do it.

“The Premier League spent more than the others because the organisation is better and the broadcast rights are higher.

“The Saudi league, I don’t know how long they will sustain that. But the players want to take this experience and play in that league. Saudi Arabia has changed the market.”

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