Ben Harburg, president of Al-Kholoud FC, sparked widespread reaction in sporting circles with his recent statements welcoming the potential arrival of global football stars like Liverpool's Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah and Real Madrid's Brazilian star Vinicius Junior to the Saudi Professional League. However, Harburg stipulated a crucial condition for these signings related to financial terms, emphasizing the need for Saudi clubs to change their negotiating philosophy.
In a post on his official X account (formerly Twitter), Harburg explained his strategic vision, saying, "I would be more than happy to see Mohamed Salah, Vinicius, and others in the Saudi League, although I prefer signing rising stars rather than players at the end of their careers." These statements come at a time when the Saudi League is undergoing a qualitative shift in its recruitment strategies, with the focus gradually moving from acquiring established stars at the end of their careers to targeting young talents capable of contributing for many years, thus increasing the league's competitiveness and market value in the long run.
The president of Al-Kholoud Club added a crucial point regarding salaries, stating, "We shouldn't pay them a single riyal more than they would earn in Europe." This opinion stems from a firm belief that Saudi Arabia is no longer a destination requiring exorbitant fees or astronomical sums to attract players. He clearly indicated that "Saudi Arabia is not a difficult place to live; rather, it is an opportunity and an advantage for those who live and work here," emphasizing that the quality of life in the Kingdom now surpasses that of many European countries.
These statements gain significance within the broader context of the development of sports in the Kingdom under Vision 2030. Since Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr, followed by other major international transfers including Neymar, Benzema, and others, the Kingdom has become a globally attractive destination. With the tremendous development in infrastructure, entertainment options, and the security and safety enjoyed by Saudi cities, Harburg believes these factors alone are sufficient incentives for players, and clubs should not have to pay exorbitant salaries compared to European standards to compensate for disparities that no longer exist.
Harburg's remarks reflect a mature approach to the transfer market, as he advocates for financial sustainability and views the Saudi league as a globally competitive destination, not merely a stepping stone to earn money before retirement. Emphasizing "quality of life" as a key attraction aligns with international reports highlighting the rapid improvement in lifestyle within the Kingdom, making a move to the Saudi league an ideal professional and living option for top international stars without the need for unjustified financial outlays.
