Manchester City, the dominant force in English football for over a decade, finds itself once again under the Premier League's microscope. This time, however, the allegations are not about intricate financial dealings or sponsorship controversies, but something seemingly more mundane: breaches of kick-off timing regulations. Recent reports confirm that City has been hit with a substantial fine of £1.08 million for delaying kick-offs and re-starts on nine separate occasions during the 2024/25 season. While a million-pound fine might seem like a drop in the ocean for a club of City's financial might, these sanctions underscore a deeper tension within the Premier League – a battle between sporting integrity, commercial interests, and the relentless demands of a global broadcasting behemoth. This isn't merely a trivial matter of punctuality. It speaks to the meticulous choreography of modern football, where every second is accounted for, and every deviation from the schedule has...
Last summer's transfer window saw the Saudi Pro League emerge as a credible destination for some of the world's best players.
While Saudi spending was more restrained in the January window, the league appears to be making another push to increase its appeal by attracting more big-name players this summer.Ederson
Ederson, the Manchester City goalkeeper, is reportedly getting interest from Al-Ittihad this summer. According to Mail Sport, City could make an initial £25 million bid for the Brazilian, who has been plagued by injuries this season but remains the club's number one and recently won his sixth Premier League title.
Mo Salah
The Liverpool forward was the subject of a stunning £150 million bid from Al-Ittihad last summer, and the Guardian reports that he is once again on the radar of Saudi Pro League clubs.
Alisson
Salah's Liverpool teammate Alisson is also a target for Saudi Pro League clubs, according to the Guardian. The goalkeeper's contract extends until 2027, so it would take a large deal to entice him away from Anfield this summer.
Another player that would constitute an enormous coup for the Saudi Pro League. According to the Mirror, De Bruyne is not interested in moving to the Middle East, although Al Hilal is leading the Saudi clubs' interest in the Belgian playmaker.
Kyle Walker
According to The Sun, De Bruyne's teammate is more receptive to moving to Saudi Arabia this summer. They report that Walker is contemplating his alternatives, despite being content at Manchester City.
Casemiro
The Brazilian midfielder has struggled in his second season at Manchester United and could conclude his two-year Premier League career by moving to Saudi Arabia this summer.
Bruno Fernandes
United captain Bruno Fernandes is also attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, despite the Telegraph reporting that this is "far less likely." Fernandes recently stated that the club must "want him" if he is to stay, and it would undoubtedly be a massive coup if a Saudi club could pull it off.
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