This year’s summer transfer window is turning out to be a historic one, with Saudi Arabian clubs dominating the market. Despite all the backlash from the soccer fraternity, the Gulf country continues to lure in seasoned European stars. A trend that was started by Cristiano Ronaldo is now being termed as ‘footballing death’ by a renowned soccer legend.

With each passing day, the Saudi Arabian influence continues to grow in the European market. The soccer world is worried to see their favorite stars leave for foreign leagues. However, in the midst of such a chaotic window, a renowned soccer legend seems to be calm about the entire ordeal.

Soccer legend downplays Saudi Arabia’s challenge

The mass exodus to the Middle East continues, and ardent soccer fans believe it’s the end of European rule over the beautiful game. Likewise, a Liverpool legend once spoke about the sports washing done by Saudis. But former England international, Gary Lineker, pays no mind to it until one condition is met.

During an exclusive conversation with Sun, the former Barcelona man spoke about the Gulf country splurging its cash on players from the top five leagues. “Saudi Pro League clubs have been throwing around a vast amount of money this summer. But until they sign Kylian Mbappe, or another genuine world star in his prime, then the major European clubs will remain relaxed about it.”

Lineker insists that until Kylian Mbappe doesn’t go there, everything is normal. “Right now, it’s just the latest league where older players go to die their footballing deaths — like Karim Benzema joining Al-Ittihad — for one last earner. It’s the same with Major League Soccer in America, it was the same with China for a while, and I did it myself in Japan at the end of my playing career,” said the Hotspur legend.

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Linekar also cited his own example of going to Japanese side Nagoya Grampus Eight. Indeed, it’s quite a bold statement to make regarding the mass exodus to Saudi Arabia. But does Ronaldo’s $500 million move to Al Nassr ensure a comfortable “footballing death”?

Did Cristiano Ronaldo go to Saudi Arabia to fulfill his ‘footballing death’?

The soccer fraternity may call it whatever they want to, but Ronaldo has really changed the course of this summer’s transfer window. Ever since his move to Al Nassr, not only has he paved the way for other Middle Eastern sides to hijack the European market, but it has also given other soccer stars the confidence to go and play there.

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One may agree with seeing the likes of CR7 or Karim Benzema, who still hold European pedigree. However, seeing the players move at the age of 25–30 becomes a matter of concern. For now, Mbappe is refusing to go there, having turned down a billion-dollar deal.