In a recent interview with the media, Brazilian star Neymar has stated that the level of the Saudi championship may now be stronger than that of Ligue 1. The forward left PSG during the summer transfer window to join Al-Hilal in a new adventure. Considering the other superstars who chose the Arab League this summer as their next destination, Neymar commented:
"I wouldn't be surprised if the Saudi league is already stronger than the French championship... I can assure you that football in Saudi Arabia is the same as anywhere else. The ball is round… there is no secret. We have intense training sessions and the hunger to win is still great. I want to win trophies with Al-Hilal. There is no difference.”
Arab clubs spent over 700 million pounds in this market to secure the services of players who are active in European championships. Only the English Championship recorded higher figures, which shows the determination of Arab clubs to raise the level of football in the country.
Meanwhile, many coaches and sports figures have criticized the Arabs, due to the fact that their market closes a week later than the European one. The problem lies in the fact that Arab clubs can continue to attract the attention of European players, even when the latter are playing in their respective championships. The coach of Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, has underlined the importance to protect the game and the European championships, describing the approach of the Arab clubs in the market as a threat.
We recall that the Arab clubs were ready to break the record for the most expensive player in history, after the offer of 259 million pounds for Kylian Mbappe. However, the French superstar rejected Al-Hilal's offer, choosing to stay in Paris.
