The coach of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, has stated that the Saudi clubs have changed the football market, and the elite European clubs should be aware of what is happening. After the approach of Cristiano Ronaldo in December, the Arab league has also attracted a number of other well-known names in the European football arena. The latest move is that of Riyad Mahrez, who left Manchester City to join Al-Ahli. Meanwhile, Guardiola said:
"Saudi Arabia has changed the market. A few months ago, when Cristiano was the only one to leave, no one thought that so many high caliber players would play in the Saudi league. In the future there will be more players and therefore (European) clubs should be aware of what is happening."
Guardiola added:
"They (Arab League leaders) want to create a strong league, and so far they are the league that can do it... Right now, I don't know how long Saudi Arabia will last, but my feeling is that they will do it. The players want to take this opportunity to play in that championship, and they will."
Regarding the departure of Riyad Mahrez, the Spanish technician said that City will not immediately look for a replacement. Guardiola said that the club is not looking for a player like Mahrez, as in terms of skills, all footballers are different.
We remember that the midfielder also left City Ilkay Gundogan, who chose to join Barcelona. Meanwhile, the Dutch defender Nathan Ake has signed a contract renewal with the club, until 2027. Ake expressed himself quite happily, praising coach Pep Guardiola as the best technician in football and a genius.
