Klopp raises concern over Saudi pro league extended transfer deadline
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has called on world and European governing body FIFA and UEFA to look into the extended transfer deadline set by the Saudi Arabian Pro League.
The oil-rich nation has been the new destination for Europe-based players this summer and there is a possibility more players will be headed to the Arabian Gulf as their transfer window ends on September 20 while the European transfer window ends on September 1.
Liverpool have already seen experienced midfielders Jordan Henderson and Fabinho depart for Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad respectively in this window while former Red Sadio Mane is on the verge of joining Al Nassr from Bayern Munich.
Klopp however acknowledged that Liverpool must now have to deal with this new reality.
“I don’t know. But in the moment, it looks as if that’s quite influenced, it’s massive in the moment,” the former Borussia Dortmund manager said at a press conference in Singapore.
“I think pretty much the worst thing is that the transfer window in Saudi Arabia is three weeks longer open. If I’m right, I heard something like that, than at least in Europe. That’s not helpful.
“So, there must be, UEFA, FIFA must find solutions for that. But in the end, I don’t know in this moment what exactly will happen. It is already influential for us, for sure. But we will have to learn to deal with it. And that’s what we do.”
Liverpool are currently in Singapore for their penultimate pre-season game where they take on Bayern Munich at the Singapore National Stadium on Wednesday before facing German club Darmstadt at Deepdale next Monday.
The Reds open their 2023-24 Premier League against rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on August 13.
