Saudi Arabia can be a blessing for La Liga clubs in the short-term

There has been plenty made about the Saudi Arabian assault on European football, with many feeling somewhat put out by the gargantuan spending. It has opened a number of eyes to the fact that while the attraction of European football is probably not under threat for many of the top players in the world, many below that level will have their heads turned.

Of course, there are concerns about the sportswashing aspect of these deals. Saudi Arabia are attracting stars, eyes and cultural clout, making people think about the glitzy football stars in the stadiums, rather than the murderous regime behind it, where the majority of minority groups face persecution. No doubt mixed in with that are racial undertones too.

Where there is money, the business will follow though, and it would be no surprise to see a number of media organisations, betting companies and crypto sports betting markets pay far more attention.

La Liga will be concerned that secondary predatory force, after the Premier League, has entered the game, and threatens to take their talent. The ability to attract talent in Spain is a concern, but if anything this will speed up a process that is already underway, as clubs wrestle with the new status quo and their salary limits, and become more sustainable in both their talent sourcing and finances.

Not only has it been the Premier League far more targeted by Saudi Arabia, but the fees that they pay are so large, that it could help La Liga clubs out in the short-term. Injecting cash above market value into those clubs, those sales could help these clubs finally shrug off the financial problems brought on by the pandemic. In addition, it would do so without strengthening the Premier League, and further jeopardising their position in the footballing hierarchy.

Football players are almost limitless, and with smart recruitment and scouting, La Liga clubs can adapt and combat the financial imbalances far better than they have been. This is provided the money is used with intelligence, and not lost to frivolous spending. The future for Spanish football relies on a Real Sociedad or Villarreal-like model of buying low and selling high though, even if they have been helped by a rich owner themselves.

Long-term, it is hard to predict the impact of the Saudi spending spree on football, and indeed whether it will continue indefinitely. However for the coming months and perhaps one or two seasons, Spanish sides should ensure they are marketing their players properly in the Middle East to make the most of the situation.