Saudi Arabia is not done stripping European clubs. While the signing of Algerian Riyad Mahrez at Al Ahli is announced as imminent, Congolese defender Chancel Mbemba could also join soccer’s new Eldorado.
“I paved the way for the Saudi league, and now all the players are coming here […] In a year, more and more top players will come to Saudi Arabia.In a year’s time, the Saudi League will overtake the Turkish League and the Dutch League. European soccer has lost a lot of quality. The only one that remains valid and is doing well is the Premier League. It’s ahead of all the other leagues. As a good ambassador for Saudi Arabia, which offered him a golden bridge six months ago, Cristiano Ronaldo dropped this bombshell on Tuesday on the sidelines of a friendly match lost 0-5 by his new Al-Nassr team to Celta Vigo (Spain).
While the five-time Ballon d’Or winner may be getting a little carried away, he can’t be faulted on all counts. Indeed, it’s undeniable that since CR7 set foot in the Gulf, Saudi clubs have felt their wings grow. They’re now canvassing all the profiles evolving in Europe, even the youngest and most talented. Several African stars in particular have taken the plunge. African champions Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly have left Chelsea to sign for Al Ahli and Al Ittihad respectively. Seko Fofana has joined Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr. Two-time African Ballon d’Or winner Sadio Mané is still holding out for a move to Saudi Arabia, while Riyad Mahrez is preparing to move to promoted side Al-Ahli. He could be followed by Chancel Mbemba.
The Congolese defender from Marseille has been approached by clubs in the Saudi Pro League, according to Foot Mercato. The 28-year-old former Porto player, who joined OM last summer, is coming off a highly successful season on an individual level (7 goals in 45 games). For the moment, Marseille, keen to qualify for the Champions League finals, are not selling. But it’s not certain that the Phocéens will be able to resist an attractive Saudi offer. On Transfermarkt, Chancel Mbemba is valued at 20 million euros. No mean feat for the wealthy Saudis.
