The popularity of the Saudi Pro League has extended to a global level since Al Nassr signed Cristiano Ronaldo. Along with the fanbase, there are soccer experts and even active stars who are tracking the development of the cash-rich league. Barcelona’s head coach, Xavi is one of them. He recently made a bold claim about Saudi clubs, which implied that the Knights of Najd could go all the way in the grand Asian tourney!

There is no doubt that teams like Al Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Ittihad will continue to grab eyeballs on and off the pitch. However, let’s dive deeper into Xavi’s sudden yet huge statement.

Xavi backs Saudi Arabia to achieve Asian soccer glory!

The soccer world is slowly but surely starting to take the Saudi Pro League seriously after top signings like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neymar, and others. European clubs are now aware that there is someone who can compete with their financial resources. Ahead of the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, Xavi was also full of praise for the cash-rich league. He said, “Saudi clubs are the best in Asia”. Further, he added that it was already important in Asia. But, now it is more important. But why did Xavi suddenly pass a comment like this?

Interestingly, Xavi had also kicked a ball in Asia in his playing days. At the end of his career, he played in Qatar. Hence, this claim showcased the understanding that Xavi already has about the Asian side of the beautiful game and the dominance of Saudi Arabia. The Knights of Najd will next face fellow Saudi side Al Fayha in the RO16 of the AFC Champions League. Along with the Cristiano Ronaldo-led side, Saudi clubs are certainly the favorites to win the competition! As far as Barcelona is concerned, they are also planning to start a partnership with the cash-rich league.

Laporta is ‘fully prepared’ to lend a helping hand to develop soccer in Saudi

This is not the first time someone from Barcelona has praised the league. In an interview, President Joan Laporta also praised the new soccer project in the Middle East. He said that the current version of the Saudi Pro League is a success and has attracted many fans from Europe. He also added that the club would like to form a relationship with the league.

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He said, “I am fully prepared to extend the bridges of relationship between FC Barcelona and Saudi clubs and provide them with expertise and modern methods to develop them and the Saudi League as a whole“. It would be quite interesting to know whether other top soccer club from England, Spain, Italy, and Germany also share the same sentiment. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

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