Consecutive announcements regarding the transfers of Karim Benzema to the Saudi Pro League and Lionel Messi’s intention to play in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the U.S. have shaken the soccer world. These moves sparked speculations of a new international bidding war for aging soccer stars as Saudi Arabia and MLS compete to attract renowned talent.
With Saudi Arabia’s growing interest in building a competitive soccer league, MLS faces challenges in retaining its position as the preferred destination for high-profile players. This article delves into the implications of these transfers and the potential impact on MLS’s future prospects.
The Saudi Arabian Bid for Soccer Dominance
The recent signing of Benzema by Al-Ittihad for over $200 million, following Cristiano Ronaldo’s acquisition by Al Nassr in 2022 for $100 million, suggests that Saudi Arabia is determined to establish a soccer league that rivals Europe’s elite competitions, such as the English Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Serie A.
While it remains unlikely that the Saudi Pro League will immediately challenge the popularity of these established European leagues, the trend of acquiring marquee players poses a significant threat to more minor leagues, notably MLS, which may struggle to compete with the financial power of Saudi investors.
Sportswashing and the Saudi Image
The announcement of Benzema’s move coincided with LIV Golf’s merger with the PGA, leading to discussions about “sportswashing” – the use of sports investments to improve Saudi Arabia’s international image. Unlike golf, which has limited local popularity and was brought to the region by expats, soccer has deep-rooted fan bases across the Arab world.
Soccer holds immense cultural significance in the Middle East, often referred to as “the second religion of the Arab world.” The Saudi government’s investment in soccer aims to harness the sport’s existing popularity and elevate the nation’s standing in the global soccer landscape.
A Tradition of Attracting Aging Stars
The strategy of recruiting aging stars from European leagues to stimulate interest in emerging soccer nations has historical precedent. China’s influx of talent from international leagues, including Carlos Tevez and Oscar, made headlines in 2016-17.
Similarly, the Australian A-League and Japan’s J.League have leveraged the presence of former world-class players to boost their domestic competitions. The U.S., through the North American Soccer League (NASL) and, subsequently, MLS, has a rich history of attracting international stars like Pelé, Johan Cruyff, Thierry Henry, and David Beckham, although more toward the ends of their careers.
However, despite its success, MLS now faces competition from Saudi Arabia in securing top-notch talent, which has also impacted Fanduel’s soccer odds in the league.
MLS’s Journey and Current Challenges
MLS initially aimed to avoid high spending, distinguishing itself from the extravagant approach of NASL. However, after a near-collapse in the early 2000s, MLS altered its strategy by recruiting prominent European stars like Beckham, Alessandro Nesta, Didier Drogba, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The signing of Lionel Messi by Inter Miami, owned by Beckham, represents a significant triumph for MLS. Nevertheless, the emergence of Saudi Arabia as a competitor signals diminished future opportunities and higher costs for attracting star players.
The MLS Bubble and the Saudi Threat
Since Beckham arrived in 2007, MLS has flourished, expanding to 29 franchises, including three in Canada, and achieving substantial financial growth. However, MLS’s valuation remains significantly lower than that of the top European leagues.
The challenge lies in MLS’s aspiration to become a mainstream spectator sport in the U.S., relying on projected growth rather than the current quality of play. The Saudi Arabian league’s entry into the market directly threatens MLS’s ambitions, as it competes for the same aging stars, potentially driving up costs and impacting the league’s overall progress.
Conclusion
The recent transfers of Benzema and Messi have ignited a fierce bidding war between MLS and the Saudi league. While MLS has successfully attracted prominent players over the years, the emergence of Saudi Arabia as a competitor highlights the challenges MLS faces in retaining its status as the top destination for aging stars.
As the race for soccer dominance intensifies, both leagues will need to adapt their strategies to secure and retain talent, ultimately shaping the future of international soccer transfers.
