Gary Neville has made the bold suggestion that the Premier League should place an embargo on transfers to Saudi Arabia to ‘ensure the integrity of the game isn’t damaged’.
Over the last few weeks we’ve seen several big name players receive offers from the Saudi Pro League, who saw the PIF take 75% control of their top-four clubs earlier this month.
Chelsea, who have been struggling with an overly inflated squad, have agreed deals that see Kante, Mendy, Ziyech and Koulibaly all leaves for PIF-owned clubs like Al-Ittihad, Al Hilal, Al Nassr and Al Ahli.
Due to the ties between Chelsea’s ownership and the PIF, Neville has suggested that checks should be made on how appropriate these transfers are and that dealings should be halted while it is looked into.
It’s not just Chelsea, however. Wolves’ Ruben Neves has sealed a £47m switch to Al Hilal and Man City star Bernardo Silva has also received a lucrative offer from an unnamed Saudi side.
Here’s what Neville had to say on the matter:
“The Premier League should put an instant embargo on transfers to Saudi Arabia to ensure the integrity of the game isn’t being damaged.
“Checks should be made on the appropriateness of the transactions. If it comes through that process, obviously transfers could open up again.
“But I do believe, at this moment in time, transfers should be halted until you look into the ownership structure at Chelsea and whether there are beneficial transfer dealings that are improper.”
Gary Neville doesn’t argue that the financial might of PL teams threatens the integrity of the game. We have Italy stating clearly they cannot compete with PL clubs to keep their best players so why should the PL be protected from the bigger financial ability of other nations … Good for the goose Gary, suck it up … never bothered you if Man U bullied anyone financially
Such hypocrisy
Brian Wood(Quote)
That man hasn’t a clue dumb c#nt what’s the premier league been doing 4 yrs buying players for big big money what’s wrong with Saudis doing it? U jealous or somet? get back in Yr hole u clown keep Yr opinion 2 Yr self just like most u should
Kirky(Quote)
Cry more.
English Noodles(Quote)