As last season came to an end, James Milner and Roberto Firmino, whose contracts had expired, left. As originally planned, Liverpool embarked on a generational change in the midfielders, and were successful in acquiring Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
However, all did not go according to plan. The Saudis were no match for the financial muscle of the Saudis, who continued to acquire major players from European countries this summer, and Jordan Henderson and Fabinho are now on their way to new careers.
Liverpool was not the only club to suffer, but the departure of the captain and the Brazilian midfielder was a blow, and the subsequent reinforcement plan could not hide a somewhat tinny feeling.
Jurgen Klopp looked back on the situation at the time and expressed his honest feelings that the club could not compete with them in terms of contracts and other terms and conditions.
“It was a special situation for us. Bobby’s [Firmino] contract has expired. Of course he can go and do whatever he wants. He just made his choice and that’s perfectly fine.”
“When Hendo and Fabinho then sat in my office and talked to me about it, I knew when I found out more about the conditions that we have practically no chance of taking action against it.”
“The financial conditions in this league are absolutely exceptional.”
“I would say there are almost no limits. Anyone who can sign Cristiano Ronaldo and pay him for it definitely has no limits anymore.”
“It’s super difficult to comment and not burn your mouth, no matter which direction. “
“Basically, I think that with all the different perceptions we have, we definitely don’t understand the culture in all its details.”
“As long as we only look at it from the outside, nothing will happen. If there is one positive aspect of the whole story, it’s that Saudi Arabia will be much more in the public eye.”
Sport1
Not only players over the age of 30, but also players in their 20s, such as Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, are seeking a new home in Saudi Arabia, and big names are gathering in the Saudi Professional League.
With the inexhaustible supply of oil money, the league is expected to continue to grow by leaps and bounds, and will be a major player in the transfer market not only this summer but also in the years to come…