The Saudi Pro League is both a threat and a lifeline for clubs like Liverpool. The cash from Saudi Arabia, whose transfer window shuts on Monday (2 September), has not flown quite as freely this summer as it did last. In 2023, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Roberto Firmino all left Liverpool for Al-Ittihad, Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ahli respectively as as part of an £800m drive to bring some of the biggest names in football to the Gulf. Saudi Arabia is desperate to strengthen its domestic league in part because it is hosting of the 2034 World Cup, which in turn is part of the nation’s efforts to diver…
