Jurgen Klopp admits he is concerned that the transfer deadline for big-spending Saudi Arabian sides is three weeks after the European window closes.
Saudi Arabia has emerged as a huge force in football finances this summer, following the announcement that the nation’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has taken ownership of the country’s four leading football clubs – Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.
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Saudi Pro League sides have since spent big money to attract overseas stars to the division, with Liverpool have seen Jordan Henderson and Fabinho depart English football for the Middle East.
Saudi sides have spent more than £350m on new signings so far this summer and Klopp admits he is concerned with the differing dates in which to conclude business.
The Saudi Pro League’s transfer window shuts three weeks later than the window for European clubs, leaving European sides at risk of losing players without being able to sign replacements. It is a situation that Klopp has called ‘not helpful’.
“It is massive, in the moment,” Klopp said at a press conference on the influence of Saudi sides this summer.
“Pretty much the worst thing I think is that the transfer window in Saudi Arabia is open three weeks longer.
“If I am right, I heard something like that, then at least in Europe that’s not helpful.
“Uefa or Fifa must find solutions for that. But in the end, at this moment, I don’t know exactly what will happen.”
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