It is not because of money — Emenalo reveals reason players are moving to Saudi Arabia

Emenalo has taken a stand against people who believe the Saudi Pro League is only attracting stars because of the economic benefits on offer.

The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Sport announced at the end of last season that the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) will take full control of four teams in the Saudi Pro League. The clubs are Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, and Al Nassr.

Soon after, an array of top talent flooded the Saudi League, those at the tail end of their careers (Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante) and those not even at their peak (Ruben Neves).

Emenalo, a former Nigeria international, most popular in European football for his time as technical director at Chelsea, was appointed the SPL’s first-ever director of football this month.

“Footballers are not completely ignorant of what the industry is about,” Emenalo said, speaking to The Athletic.

“They recognise when something is happening and you have to have conversations with them, not just the agent, and explain to them what the league is about.

“So if a lot of them are making this decision, it’s not necessarily because of the economic side of the opportunity. It’s also because they recognise that this is going to be something that defines their legacy and they have an opportunity to contribute something special.

“And that’s what every footballer is looking for; they’re looking for greater competition and an opportunity to do something exceptional and special.

Emenalo was technical director at Chelsea from 2011-2017, a period of huge success for the club under previous owner Roman Abramovic. It is hoped that he will bring his huge wealth of knowledge to the Saudi League in this early period of growth.

The 2023-24 Saudi Pro League season begins on August 11.