The Director of Football at the Saudi Pro League, Nigerian Michael Emenalo, stated that the story of Egyptian star Mohamed Salah joining the Saudi league has come to an end. The Al-Ittihad club had been negotiating with Liverpool FC to acquire Salah during the last summer transfer window, but "the Reds" and their German coach Jürgen Klopp insisted on keeping the Egyptian star.
Emenalo mentioned in statements to the program "In the Goal": "The Salah story is over, and we respect players and their contracts with their clubs."
Regarding the global media's coverage of the Saudi league and its signings, Emenalo said: "It's great that the European press is talking about the Saudi league, as it shows that it is being followed closely. We are very satisfied with what we have achieved and hope it lasts for a long time. Our vision will help football in Saudi Arabia and develop talents to reach the national team."
Emenalo disclosed behind-the-scenes details and the messages used in negotiations by Saudi Pro League clubs with the world's best stars to persuade them to join, stating: "When we negotiate with stars, we assure them that they will come to a tournament that will be among the strongest in the world, and we welcome them to come to Saudi Arabia and experience living here, where the player and his family will enjoy interacting with a culture that is welcoming and friendly."
Moreover, Michael Emenalo explained his team's plan and relationship with club presidents: "The plan for the Saudi league is laid out very precisely, and it is not just from me. The next step will be to review what happened in the last transfer market, both good and bad, and then think about the upcoming period. I have not faced any difficulties with any of the Saudi club presidents, and I believe they all like me."
