Joan Laporta Labels Saudi Pro League a ‘Success’; Eyes Partnership With Their Clubs & FC Barcelona

It’s twists and turns in soccer at the moment. People who deplored the transfers from Europe to Saudi are now ready to make a way for the Saudi Pro League. After undergoing a revolution within a year, the Saudi Pro League has also received appreciation from FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who is ready to collaborate with them.

The whole process started when Cristiano Ronaldo had no other option but to sign for Al Nassr late last year. After that, the Saudi Pro League did not leave any stone unturned to develop the sport in the country by offering great money to the players. But the idea exceeded expectations, hitting bigger targets like Laporta.

FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta compliments the Saudi Pro League

Clubs in the Saudi Pro League, under the guidance of PIF, have spent close to a billion dollars in the last transfer window. They also had a massive response from most of their targets and acquired some big names like Karim Benzema and Sadio Mane. As per SPL sources, Laporta, who seems to be impressed, said, “The current version of the Saudi League is a real success. Many people in Europe today want to follow the league.”

The Saudi Pro League has not stopped yet. Laporta claims that many people in Europe follow the league. The league has not only risen in terms of reputation among the players but has also seen a huge surge in its revenue. The league even experienced success in areas like stadium attendance, viewership, and brand partnerships. Hence, Laporta feels it to be a great platform for the benefit of SPL.

Laporta also expressed a willingness to collaborate with the SPL. “I am fully prepared to extend the bridges of relationship between FC Barcelona and Saudi clubs and provide them with expertise and modern methods to develop them and the Saudi League as a whole.” 

Looks like Laporta is keen on landing a deal with the cash-rich league’s giants. However, this wasn’t the initial stance the Catalan president took, initially.

Laporta earlier took a dig at the Saudi Pro League’s transfers

Joan Laporta initially criticized Saudi’s move to hunt players from Europe. The 61-year-old claimed that the players were not going there for any sporting reasons. The president also said that soccer should be the number one priority for athletes. Players like Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi chose to opt out in the last window.

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Nevertheless, there were no high-profile players who moved from the Catalan club to the Saudi League in the transfer juggernaut. Laporta also claimed that most of the players like the club and the way it is managed. Ultimately, the Barcelona boss did not give his choice between Al Nassr and Al Hilal but chose Barcelona.

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