
EPL Index
·4 September 2023
Saudi Pro League Confirm Deadline Day Date

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·4 September 2023
In a move to dispel the fog of uncertainty, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, in collaboration with the Saudi Pro League, has set the record straight. Clubs in the Middle Eastern football circuit have until 7 September to wrap up their transfer dealings. This clarification comes amidst a backdrop of confusion, as FIFA’s transfer calendar initially suggested that the Saudi window would remain open until the end of the month.
Liverpool’s gaffer, Jurgen Klopp, has been vocal about his concerns regarding the Saudi Pro League’s transfer window. His worries are not unfounded, especially given the looming possibility of losing Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s star forward. Klopp’s unease stems from the fact that the late closure of the Saudi transfer window leaves European clubs in a precarious position. They risk losing key players without the opportunity to bring in adequate replacements.
The Saudi Pro League is rapidly emerging as a financial juggernaut in the football world. Its clubs are not shying away from making audacious moves in the transfer market. Case in point: Al Ittihad’s willingness to shatter the global transfer record to secure Salah’s services, despite Klopp’s steadfast refusal to even consider such a deal.
Klopp’s call to action is clear: FIFA needs to synchronise the various transfer windows to level the playing field. The current system leaves European clubs vulnerable, as they could lose their top talents to the Saudi Pro League without the chance to sign replacements.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the Saudi Pro League have finally provided clarity on the transfer window’s closure date, set for 7 September. While this settles one issue, it opens up another: the need for FIFA to harmonise the global transfer windows, a sentiment strongly echoed by Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp.