Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp expressed concern on Tuesday about the harmful consequences of the transfer schedule in Saudi Arabia, asking football authorities to regulate it as the departure of players from European clubs increases.
From Singapore, where his side are set to face Bayern Munich in a friendly match tomorrow, Klopp expressed concern over the likely departure of former Liverpool striker and current Bayern player Sadio Mane to Saudi club Al-Nassr.
Describing Saudi Arabia’s influence as “massive”, he explained that “the worst thing is that the transfer window in Saudi Arabia closes three weeks later (than in Europe, editor’s note)”, adding that “the Fifa and UEFA must find solutions to this.
Since the beginning of the year, clubs in the oil-rich country have multiplied recruits, including stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
Brazilian midfielder Fabinho on Monday became the third Reds player to leave for Saudi Arabia this summer by signing for three years at Al-Ittihad, after Jordan Henderson and Roberto Firmino. “It already has an influence for us for sure. We’re going to have to learn to deal with that,” Klopp added.
