Saudi Pro League clubs look set to benefit from a rule change this summer as the division looks to attract top European stars.
The league season concluded on Monday with Al-Hilal crowned as champions, ending 14 points clear of Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al-Nassr.
Attention will turn towards the transfer market with Saudi clubs having made significant outlays in recent windows to boost the standard of the league.
A rule change coming into force for next season will offer Saudi clubs further room to work in the market.
Rules were changed in December approving an increase in the number of foreign players allowed in squads from next season.
The Saudi Pro League season ended on Monday with Al-Hilal crowned as the champions
Rule changes could see the league boosted in efforts to sign more stars like Cristiano Ronaldo
Clubs had previously been limited to eight non-Saudi players in their squads for the season.
Under the rule change, 10 foreign players will not be permitted in each squad next season.
Eight can be registered without an age limit, while a further two can be included but must be born in 2003 or after.
With several clubs having maximized their previous cap after vast spending in recent windows, the increase will give them greater opportunity to invest this summer.
Two Premier League stars have been linked with moves to the league, with Saudi Pro League executive Michael Emenalo aiming to create ‘an absolute top product’ to attract players to play in the division in their primes
Mail Sport reported that the league is interested in signing Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson this summer.
Man City goalkeeper Ederson is among the targets for Saudi Pro League clubs this summer
Liverpool star Alisson has also been targeted as clubs bid to strengthen again in the window
Liverpool star Alisson has also reportedly been targeted, according to the Telegraph.
Saudi Pro League clubs, four of which are state-owned, are expected to test the waters with a bid this summer.
‘Whenever an opportunity comes up and one of those kinds of players that you mentioned are available we will compete for them,’ Emenalo said in an interview with the publication.
‘This particular coming window, if there’s an opportunity to spend significantly on someone that we think will bring exactly what we needed or what is needed, then we will do that.’
