27 May 2026 10:23:53
Manchester Ger – I think you've mentioned that you are in the construction business so your knowledge of The Line project will be better than mine. I'm going on an FT article here [Neom Line] from November 2025 which says that most of the construction is on hold.
Rfc22 – Yes, Saudi Pro League salaries are eye-watering. But if further investment in local clubs is reduced, players may find that contracts are not renewed. Particularly if the Saudi public and private investors who currently bankroll the Pro League teams decide their money is better spent in Europe (eg Saudi Public Investment Fund with Newcastle FC).
If players do return to Europe because they have no new options in Saudi Arabia, they'll have to take market rate here. And I hope they have tucked away their Saudi gold, rather than spending it on racing camels.
So my question is: were there players we were interested in during the last few transfer windows who spurned our approaches and went to the Middle East instead? And if they still have the legs, would we look at them again?
27 May 2026 11:13:29
Apart from that, they will have tax implications if they return too. Just ask SG.
27 May 2026 11:18:39
Interesting piece on the BBC website here in regards to it all.
27 May 2026 11:57:15
Don MLS Championship there are loads more leagues that will give players 2/3 times what wee can offer.
27 May 2026 13:08:34
Correct Rfc22. Example - someone like Ryan Gould is on over 2.5M per year at Vancouver Whitecaps.