Saad Al Lazeez, Saudi Pro League Vice Chair, Signals That The League’s Spending Spree Will Continue In The Summer
With Saudi clubs having been quiet in the recently closed winter transfer window, the word in some quarters is that a similar trend will follow in the summer. However, according to the league’s vice chair, Saad Al Lazeez, clubs are focused on building for the future.
At the launch of the league’s global strategy in London, Lazeez noted, “You have to start somewhere, and sometimes you have to overcompensate. The prices will justify themselves by the returns on the investment that we are going to assume in years to come.” The comments were in reference to the huge transfer fees and wages some of the top talent from Europe have commanded.
To Lazeez, the idea is to invest heavily and create a great product that will appeal to the masses. So far, fan engagement has been low, and much more needs to be done to attract fans to fill the stadium and create demand for TV streaming rights for the league. Part of that will involve recruitment of top talent in their prime to improve the quality of the football and the competition.
