Ivan Toney’s big-money switch from Brentford to Al-Ahli marked a significant moment for the Saudi Pro League as they target younger players rather than older pros looking for one last pay day
Saudi Pro League clubs expect to be busy in the January transfer window.
And that will also ensure the Premier League transfer window could see a dramatic rise in spending this month. Incredibly, Prem clubs only spent £100m last January and the general feeling among agents this year was that it could be another relatively quiet window.
But that has changed in the past few weeks and clubs, players and their representatives are already expecting a raft of big-money moves this month. That will also include the Saudi Pro League with the mega-rich competition’s window open from January 1 to January 30.
One of their key messages is to “attract elite talent” and they have already seen big-money overtures for Manchester United ’s out-of-favour Marcus Rashford get rebuffed. Rashford has already publicly admitted that he “wants a new challenge” and could have doubled his money in Saudi with a money-spinning deal.
However, that is unlikely to stop Saudi Pro League clubs moving for other Premier League stars, having made a game-changing signing in England international Ivan Toney last summer. They have also boasted that the average of signings has dropped from 27.6 years to 26.2 years which shows that they are in the market for younger players rather than ageing stars looking for one last pay day.
But that is also mirrored by a host of Premier League clubs looking to do business this month. Arsenal, United and Tottenham are all on the lookout for deals this month. Arsenal are in the market for a winger while United boss Ruben Amorim wants to use the window to get players in and out.
Rashford and out-of-favour winger Antony could go while Juventus are watching developments around Joshua Zirkzee closely. United would then look to bring in players to fit into Amorim’s system and formation.
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is also desperate for reinforcements after revealing he has been without more than ten players for games this season because of injuries. Last year was an exceptionally low figure for various reasons like Profit and Sustainability Rules but the handbrake is off for more clubs this time.
But clubs at all levels are also in the market and agents believe it will be much busier because it will be driven by players wanting to come to the Premier League, more clubs looking to make a push for European places and then also external factors like the Saudi Pro League.
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.