The not STFC Transfer Rumours thread

[DMC]

But the PL is at least paid for, largely, by us mugs paying for Sky etc. Who is actually watching the Saudi league. Where’s the interest? Maybe it’ll morph into something more mainstream over time but even the PL is wearing a bit thin I reckon.

I suppose their thought process is once they have the structure and players that revenue will start coming

[Mooneyraker]

I just can't see that happening. No one will ever care about these clubs. This is the Chinese Super League 2.0

Players will make some money but then it will burn out.

[horlock07]

I suppose their thought process is once they have the structure and players that revenue will start coming

Dunno if its been sorted now but theyb were struggling to find any broadcaster to cough up to show it in the UK.

On a similar vein I note that the Saudi national team are playing two friendlies at St James Park, that hot bed of Saudi football support!

[DMC]

I think it will take off i really do

They are also taking academy coaches , directors of football over as well. 

[reeves4england]

I suppose their thought process is once they have the structure and players that revenue will start coming

Maybe it's already starting to through Middle Eastern interest? beIN sports, merch sales etc. Just because Brits/Europeans aren't watching, doesn't mean there's not a market.

[horlock07]

Maybe it's already starting to through Middle Eastern interest? beIN sports, merch sales etc. Just because Brits/Europeans aren't watching, doesn't mean there's not a market.

I think the real objective is getting the world cup isn't it.

[RobertT]

I think the real objective is getting the world cup isn't it.

I suspect it could be more than that, this looks a bit like LiV - a way of making Saudi Arabia get into the sports that influence the world, then use that to enhance their own position in that world.

[BambooToTheFuture]

Maybe it's already starting to through Middle Eastern interest? beIN sports, merch sales etc. Just because Brits/Europeans aren't watching, doesn't mean there's not a market.

Exactly with 4OOm+ population in the Middle East, there is market there anyway and many of those nations bloody love their footy. Of course if they get granted access to the ECL then that just opens up exposure to an established European market. People will watch because the ''big names'' will be there and so on. Be like watching an exhibition league of Harlem Globetrotters A, B, C D, etc

I think the real objective is getting the world cup isn't it.

I think it's likely. Although I think FIFA have ambitions of making a tournament possible in Antarctica first, before returning to the Oil rich badlands of the Middle East. They even state that the opening ceremony will be Directed by Emperor Pen Gwin

[The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey]

I think the real objective is getting the world cup isn't it.

Surely after Qatar there won’t be another one in the Middle East.

[BambooToTheFuture]

I suspect it could be more than that, this looks a bit like LiV - a way of making Saudi Arabia get into the sports that influence the world, then use that to enhance their own position in that world.

Possibly. As mentioned, the Middle East does have a continent sized population, Saudi makes up for about a tenth of it I think. I'm surprised that the Middle East has never officially become an ''eighth'' continent both politically and geographically. Especially with several already having pan-region borders like a few Eurasian and Arabian/Persian/Afro Asian{?} type ones. Although that would probably upset many of the men in suits who draw lines across a globe in order to keep us all in our rightful boxes 

[bigbobjoylove]

Sky Sports News understands Sevilla, Fiorentina and Club Brugge are all interested in taking Brighton midfielder Steven Alzate on loan.

Alzate has one year remaining on his Seagulls contract and spent last season on loan at Standard Liege.

[Peter Venkman]

A few people have been suggesting we go for Harrogates Luke Armstrong, I am guessing that the £500k wanted by 'Gate is a bit out of our reach!

https://the72.co.uk/2023/08/25/wrexham-mk-dons-must-pay-six-figure-fee-to-sign-27-year-old-striker-report-claims/

[The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey]

Wrexham look like signing Brandon Hanlan from Wycombe 38 goals in 228 games. Jeez, thought they’d aim higher than that.

[Peter Venkman]

Wrexham look like signing Brandon Hanlan from Wycombe 38 goals in 228 games. Jeez, thought they’d aim higher than that.

They were frightened off by the £500k put on Luke Armstrongs head when they enquired last week.

[Mooneyraker]

Charlton looking to offload Payne.

Yet another one filed under “went pear shaped after Swindon.”