The Impact of Saudi Arabia’s Buying Spree on European Football: Concerns and Potential Consequences

Thomas Helmer: “Not nice when all leagues are bought empty”

Neymar, Mané, Kanté and Mahrez in particular show that Europe’s top footballers are now moving to the Persian Gulf in their prime. With a lot of money, the Saudi Pro League should grow into a top league in world football. Many are now a bit more concerned than when Ronaldo moved to Europe – including former FC Bayern defender Thomas Helmer: “Like everyone, I probably have mixed feelings. Is something actually going to be built? Should it really be something ?” he asked in the Bayern 1 program “Today in the stadium”.

“At the moment it really only looks like the call of money is tempting and the superstars are all following. But of course it’s not nice if all the leagues are bought empty, you have to honestly say that. That’s why we’re happy we are sure that we brought Harry Kane to the Bundesliga.”

Messi also turned his back on European football

Harry Kane, the Englishman who moved to Bayern Munich a week and a half ago. For the record sum of 100 million euros. The 30-year-old Englishman had no thoughts of going to Saudi Arabia either. Others his age, including Alexander Hack, who was born in Munich, switched from Bundesliga club Mainz to the second Saudi league. “I also have to get used to it because so many people go there,” says Helmer. “Not only players who are older, but also many who are still in the juice.

Helmer believes that Saudi Arabia’s buying spree could well become a problem for European football. “Maybe it’s a bit early to answer that. But of course you have to be careful. I also hear a lot of people saying: ‘Man, thank God Messi went to America.’ Okay, but he’s gone too.” Messi won his first title, the Leagues Cup, on Sunday night (20.8.2023) European time. Ronaldo and ex-Bayerman Mané secured the Arab Club Champions Cup a week ago.

Saudi Arabia champions in the Champions League?

Meanwhile there are even rumors that it should be discussed whether the Saudi Arabian champions will get a Champions League ticket, the Italian sports economics newspaper “Calcio e Finanza” reported on this. There are said to have already been initial talks with UEFA. “Obviously that would no longer fit in with the Champions League,” says Helmer, adding with concern. “It’s also a European competition, if I remember correctly.”

2023-08-20 09:44:29
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