'I don’t have answers to' - Saudi PL chief Emenalo admits he doesn't know why Messi ended up in MLS
Published: December 08, 2023The Saudi Pro League’s sporting director Michael Emenalo has admitted that he does not why Barcelona and Argentina legend Lionel Messi chose to move to Major League Soccer in July rather than the Saudi top-flight.
Al-Hilal offered an eye-watering salary to convince Messi to move to Saudi Arabia and the striker also considered a return to Barcelona before Inter Miami won the race for his signature.
Al-Hilal's offer to Messi was reportedly worth €1.5 billion (approximately N1.3 trillion in Nigerian currency) over three years.
The Saudi Pro League has become a key player in the transfer market, attracting several prominent African stars such as Riyad Mahrez, Franck Kessié, Edouard Mendy, Sadio Mané, Seko Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly.
Apart from Messi, Al-Hilal also made unsuccessful attempts to bring in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe.
Speaking ahead of the opening of the January transfer window, Emenalo revealed that the Saudi Pro League is ready to bring in more marquee players including Lionel Messi if the opportunity presents itself.
"The reasons that he ended up in MLS is something that I don’t have answers to,” 1994 World Cup star with the Super Eagles Emenalo said to The Guardian UK.
"If he decides next season that he wants to come here, we will be happy to welcome him. If he wants to stay in MLS, we will be very, very happy for him."
Nigerian forwards Odion Ighalo (Al Wehda), Anthony Nwakaeme (Al Fayha), Henry Onyekuru (Al Fayha) and Saviour Godwin (Al Akhdoud) are on the books of Saudi Pro League clubs.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit: chelseafc.com
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- What Gunners Invincible Kanu said after Arsenal's historic win against Manchester United at Old Trafford
- Report: Newcastle United ahead of other suitors in the race to sign Nigerian central defender
- Nigerian exports: Onuachu, Afolayan at the double; Okoflex ends goal drought; Kalu, Odutayo strike
- George names Hazard, Cole Palmer as his favourite Chelsea players past and present
- 'I know' - Former Everton CEO reveals Toffees are interested in signing 2013 Fifa U17 World Cup winner
- Tottenham Hotspur urged to splash the cash on former Super Eagles invitee
- Confirmed: Ajax legend Finidi will be presented as new Super Eagles coach on Monday
- 'PL clubs could easily pay' - Ex-Ajax striker not ruling out Akpom's return to England for fee of N46b
- PL2 playoffs: Tri-national forward Butler-Oyedeji on target in Arsenal's dramatic 3-2 loss to Chelsea
- 'Not 100%' - Fulham boss admits Man Utd, Chelsea, Newcastle target Tosin is likely to leave
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football