Pep Guardiola admitted that the Saudi Pro League’s financial muscle can no longer be ignored after Manchester City were powerless to stop Riyad Mahrez leaving.
Mahrez has sealed a £30million move to Al-Ahli with reported wages as high as £750,000 a week, leaving City with decisions to make on potential replacements.
Premier League stars Jordan Henderson, N'Golo Kante, Ruben Neves and Jota have also cashed in on Saudi Arabian riches.
Guardiola – who claimed that he wanted to keep Mahrez at the Etihad Stadium - believes more will follow, presenting a problem for the country’s biggest clubs.
‘Riyad got an incredible offer and that's why we could not say don't do it,’ Guardiola said. ‘Our thoughts were for him to stay here, definitely.
‘A few months ago when Cristiano [Ronaldo] was the only one to go, no one thought this many top, top players would play in the Saudi league. In the future there will be more and that’s why clubs need to be aware of what is happening.
‘Saudi is not about being a threat, it is a reality. They want to create a strong league and so far they are the league who can do it. The Premier League spent more than the others because the organisation is better and the broadcast rights are higher.
‘The Saudi league, I don't know how long they will sustain that. But the players want to take this experience and play in that league. Saudi Arabia has changed the market.’
City have been looking at wingers and do like Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise but it remains to be seen how they replace Mahrez.
Guardiola suggested that there is no like-for-like signing available. ‘We are not looking for replacement for Riyad in terms of skill because every player is different,’ he added.
‘We will see what happens with loan players [leaving], and which players stay here. A few things are going to happen. The market is open until end of August.
‘It is not easy to replace this kind of player. He doesn't feel the pressure, he is a guy who has to play every single day to be happy. I understand completely.
‘I know how tough it was to not play in the FA Cup final and Champions League final. It was really good to work with him. Our relationship was ups and lows, but always with incredible respect.’
ziybcsuy
509
Most of the players leaving Manchester City are doing so because of lack of enough playing time. The competition is very stiff in City. A player must be at the top of his game for him to make the team sheet. Who would have imagined that a player like Kyle Walker will be left on the bench in the Champions League final after giving a very good account of himself in the semi final against Real Madrid. Pep's team selection is tactical and it's always in the best interest of the team and not to massage the ego of any player.
jamdun009
411
THE DEBATE IS OVER. THE GREATEST MANAGER OF ALL TIME PEP GAUDIOLA.
AminuSalmanu
370
one of the best coaches in the world known
yapaeopty
367
just said you don't need him again, we don't want explanation. all the best Africa legend
stanaz
140
all of a sodding it has become the dream of every European players to play in Saudi. Ronaldo effect going for thc cash
ishti
40
'Love for the game' is another thing, a footballer has every right to be financially sound. Every human being uses their skill to be financially strong. Be it academic, business acumen, technology or sports. A footballer has a very very small window of 10-12 years to be on top of their game. They make great sacrifices to be a top professional. So they deserve to be paid accordingly. They also have around 15-20 people to take care of including family, local coaches, agents, dieticians, physicians etc. Those who say greedy, should look into themselves if they do not want a raise in their salary at their own work place. (Secondly if you can 'love' the game by watching it on TV and being active on social media then a player certainly can love it too by actually playing it in Saudi Arabia). Best wishes Mahrez. Thank you for all the memories 🙏❤️❤️