Kingdom of Saudi Arabia wants its investors to buy Manchester United and Liverpool, and expects Cristiano Ronaldo will play in its domestic league.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia shows interest in Manchester Untied
Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal revealed the country’s latest sporting ambitions, with the sovereign wealth fund already owning Newcastle and funding a breakaway golf series.
He may interest in signing Ronaldo to a Saudi Pro League team after the World Cup, as the 37-year-old is a free agent following his turbulent departure from Manchester United this week.
“Who wouldn’t want him to play in their league?” According to Sky News, Prince Abdulaziz. “He and Messi are role models for many young players.”
The Saudi league may feature both Ronaldo, and Messi who is still in PSG but has already agreed to promote Saudi Arabia.
“It’s helped the country a lot in terms of tourism,” Prince Abdulaziz added. “I’d love to see them both play in the Saudi league if they can.”
The Saudis purchased Newcastle last year through the Public Investment Fund, which the Premier League insists is not controlled by the government despite being managed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Now, two more Premier League clubs – Liverpool and Manchester United – are on the market, and the sports minister wants either – or both – to own by Saudi Arabia.
Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer has spoken out for the first time since the club’s possible sale.
“As we announced yesterday, the board went through a process and decided to look at different strategic alternatives – and that’s what we’re doing,” he explained.
