Gary Neville has called on the Premier League to stop the transfer of players to Saudi Arabia until it is certain the integrity of its competition is not being put at risk.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante have already joined the Saudi Pro League - marquee names but near the end of their career - and there was speculation Lionel Messi would too, before his move to the US.

A growing number of players at their peak are attracting interest too, including Wolves captain Ruben Neves, Chelsea's Kalidou Koulibaly, Hakim Ziyech and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Arsenal's Thomas Partey. It underlines the league's ambition to be one of the top five in the world.

Neville, though, is among those asking what all this potential activity means.

In June, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns Newcastle United, confirmed it was taking over four leading clubs in the country, including Al-Nassr, who signed Ronaldo in December.

There is uncertainty over whether PIF holds a stake in Chelsea's ultimate owners, the private equity firm Clearlake Capital, although club sources have rejected suggestions of any direct involvement.

"The Premier League should put an instant embargo on transfers to Saudi Arabia to ensure the integrity of the game isn't being damaged," Neville told BBC Sport.

"Checks should be made on the appropriateness of the transactions.

"If it comes through that process, obviously transfers could open up again. But I do believe, at this moment in time, transfers should be halted until you look into the ownership structure at Chelsea and whether there are beneficial transfer dealings that are improper."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65956434

Who seek for his opinion, when players were going to China years back why didn't he makes such statements now that they found solace in Saudi Arabia he is feeling oppressed. Make him rest abeg

All these English Ex players turned commentators are just trouble makers as well as irritating. What's your business if Saudi Arabia buys players from Europe in order to better their own league. Is it now a crime to buy players from European clubs?

My brother I tire.

geesilver:
Who seek for his opinion, when players were going to China years back why didn't he makes such statements now that they found solace in Saudi Arabia he is feeling oppressed. Make him rest abeg

Everything that has to do with Chelsea always pinches this Man United ex flop players. The envy this guys have towards chelsea is so alarming.

The big money spending of Chelsea is always frightening them. They thought snatching Chelsea away from Abrahamovic will ultimately kill the club, but unfortunately, a new era of Chelsea big money game bigger than Roman era is about to kick start, so they are nervous

what kind of yeye nonsense is this?! integrity of the game bawo?!

here is your solution to these saudis transfers: PAY THESE PLAYERS MORE MONEY, SO THAT THEY WONT LEAVE TO SAUDI ARABIA!!!!

Gary is right on this one

MrBrownJay1:
what kind of yeye nonsense is this?! integrity of the game bawo?!

here is your solution to these saudis transfers: PAY THESE PLAYERS MORE MONEY, SO THAT THEY WONT LEAVE TO SAUDI ARABIA!!!!

He is making sense here