Italian journalist Paulo Condò believes ex-Inter Milan transfer target Kalidou Koulibaly would have returned to Serie A. If it wasn’t for the sudden rise of the Saudi Pro League that is.
The 32-year-old spent eight years at Napoli, cementing himself as one of the best defenders in Italy if not Europe.
The Senegal international joined Chelsea last summer but endured a torrid campaign at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues were more than happy to offload him to the KSA when Al-Hilal came knocking on the door.
For his part, Condò rues the emergence of the Saudi Pro League and its seemingly limitless spending power.
Condó argues that Koulibaly, among others, could have landed in Serie A instead of plying his trade in Saudi Arabia.
He adds that other former Premier League stars, such as Kanté, Firmino and Fabinho, could have played in the Serie A. If not for the emergence of the Saudi Pro League.
“The spring of 2023 marked a small epiphany of the technical-economic model of contemporary Serie A,” argues the veteran journalist via FcInterNews.
“The Italian top-tier is a training league for young talents to be developed and sold. And an honorable haven for aging stars that top European clubs must abandon to make room for the new stars” he added.
Condò Believes Koulibaly & Others Would Have Joined Serie A If Not For The Saudi Pro League Riches
“Inter in Istanbul served as the perfect example, made up of attracting stars (Onana, Lautaro, Barella, Bastoni ) and experienced veterans (Dzeko, Lukaku, Darmian, Mkhitaryan, all of whom had spells in the Premier League).
“The traffic in the upward direction continues. Onana and Tonali set off, Hojlund followed them with a bang. Players going in the opposite direction was almost completely interrupted by the emergence of Saudi Arabia in football.
“Until last year, at least a few among Koulibaly, Kante, Mahrez, Fabinho and Firmino would probably have landed in Italy.
“English clubs would have accepted low transfer fees and sophisticated formulas to save part of their investments.
“Well, that’s where the fun ends,” concludes Condò, offering a bleak picture of Serie A and Italian football in general.
But while Serie A clubs are struggling in their uphill transfer market battle against their Saudi counterparts, you’ll surely have better odds at succeeding with betting online in India.
As for Inter and the rest of the Serie A band, they may have to work harder on the market. Perhaps seeking players who prioritize competitive football over enormous paychecks.
