Moussa Diaby: A Success Story of the Saudi Pro League’s Change in Approach to Sign Players Nearing or Already in Their Prime
It might be too early to make the conclusion, but Moussa Diaby is thriving at Al Ittihad and is quickly becoming a proof of concept for the Saudi Pro League’s decision to move away from signing players past their prime. The summer transfer window was uncharacteristically lowkey, with SPL clubs collectively spending less than half of what they’d spent 12 months earlier.
Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr, the Saudi Pro League sent shockwaves across the footballing world, making big-name player signings, including Karim Benzema, Neymar, Riyad Mahrez, N’Golo Kante, Sadio Mane, and more. The expectation was that SPL clubs would continue this trend every transfer window.
However, with strategic leadership from Michael Emenalo, the SPL’s Sporting Director, clubs have pivoted away from that strategy in an effort to set the foundation for long-term sustainability. This stems from lessons learned from similar attempts in the Chinese Super League, which saw clubs go bankrupt after signing big-name players on huge wages.
Moussa Diaby, Al Ittihad’s signing from Aston Villa is one of the most prominent demonstrations of the effectiveness of the league’s new strategy: sign players in their prime or as they approach their prime to allow them to develop even more beyond their current levels.
Since arriving at Al Ittihad, the 25-year-old has contributed seven assists in six league games. While he’s yet to get on the scoresheet, the French international is showing signs of upping his game with each passing match.
Signing such players ensures that Saudi Pro League clubs have valuable players that can be sold for a profit. This is unlike signing players past their prime who only decline in value as time passes. With the PIF limiting the funds available to clubs, Diaby and other similar signings will help SPL clubs be sustainable in the long term.
