Saudi League 'Completely Changed The Market'

Asharq Al-Awsat AR
Asharq Al-Awsat AR
TT

Saudi League 'Completely Changed The Market'

Asharq Al-Awsat AR
Asharq Al-Awsat AR

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said on Saturday that the Saudi Pro League had "completely changed the market" and he expects more and more high-profile players to move there.

City winger Riyad Mahrez this week became just the latest big name to move to Saudi football, following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and numerous others from Europe's top leagues.

"The Saudi league completely changed the market," Guardiola said in Seoul.

"A year ago when Cristiano Ronaldo was the first player, no one could imagine how many top, top quality, extraordinary players were going to play in the Saudi league.

"In the future, it will happen more and more."

Guardiola said that he had a "special relationship" with Mahrez, even though the attacker fell from favor towards the end of his time at the English and European champions.

"He's one of the players I've seen in my career I enjoyed the most.



Dakar Rally 2025: Stage 3 Begins in Bisha, Saudi Arabia

US driver Mitch Guthrie Jr steers his car assisted by co-driver Kellon Walch during stage 2B of the 47th Dakar Rally between Bisha and Bisha, in Saudi Arabia, on January 6, 2025. (AFP)
US driver Mitch Guthrie Jr steers his car assisted by co-driver Kellon Walch during stage 2B of the 47th Dakar Rally between Bisha and Bisha, in Saudi Arabia, on January 6, 2025. (AFP)
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Dakar Rally 2025: Stage 3 Begins in Bisha, Saudi Arabia

US driver Mitch Guthrie Jr steers his car assisted by co-driver Kellon Walch during stage 2B of the 47th Dakar Rally between Bisha and Bisha, in Saudi Arabia, on January 6, 2025. (AFP)
US driver Mitch Guthrie Jr steers his car assisted by co-driver Kellon Walch during stage 2B of the 47th Dakar Rally between Bisha and Bisha, in Saudi Arabia, on January 6, 2025. (AFP)

The third stage of the Dakar Rally 2025, which is being held in Saudi Arabia for the sixth consecutive year, started Tuesday and will continue until January 17. Competitors began the stage in Bisha Governorate and will finish in Al Hanakiyah, covering a total distance of 894 km, including a timed special stage of 327 km, the Saudi Press Agency said on Wednesday.
The fourth stage of the event will start today from Al Hanakiyah and conclude in AlUla Governorate, covering a total distance of 588 km, including a timed special stage of 415 km.
Drivers will face significant challenges in this stage as they will not be able to rely on mechanical support teams.