Saudi needs publicity, while age is just a number. Buffon has reportedly turned down the mega offer from Saudi Arabia and is expected to announce his retirement in the coming days. Personally, I didn't think he would choose to play there for several reasons, even for such a big amount of money involved. Hopefully, we'll have the opportunity to see him return in a coaching role at some point in the future.
Buffon would be a defeat for the league, he would attract a lot of fans to the league, his name is known all over the world. But there are many others coming, this year or in the next 3-5 years. Mohammed bin Salman wants to make the Saudi Professional League one of the best leagues in the world and slowly more and more fans are coming. The champions Al-Ittihad had as many fans in the stadion as a club in Germany, so that is an average of 40,000 fans per game. Behind this is a multi-million dollar plan that will use a lot of money to make the league better in the years to come. In 3-5 years, possibly so strong as the league in portugal, austria or turkey.
This a great money-making opportunity for Italian legend and the second division club Parma. I am sure Parma will be glad to let him leave because he still has a year contract remaining which will make the club to be part of the £25m a year windfall. I don't know why the Saudi League wants him because he doesn't have the influence he once had and he is now old and injury prone. Maybe they want to use his past achievement as a strategy to gain attention because the Saudi League is adopting the name 'The League of Legends'.
Gianluigi Buffon now has three options, one is to remain in Parma and become the highest-capped Italian goalkeeper, retire from football as a legend, or move to the Saudi league thereby making more money.
Yes of course it's all about money, maybe when they feel tired of the competition and heavy pressure in Europe. Then, they prefer to play in the Saudi Professional League because of course, besides not getting high pressure, at least they also get a lot of money playing in the Saudi Professional League club. Also, there is also one rumor that says about Al-Ahli's desire to reunite Firmino with Mane. Of course, it is a big project if Al-Ahli can really realize it, but I'm sure it won't be easy to bring Mane from Bayern Munich.
I never expected Sadio Mane's career to turn out this way. He was at his best in Liverpool and won so many trophies including the Champions League. Disappointed by the ill-treatment he received from the Liverpool management, he moves to Bayern Munich.
I expected his career to flourish but injury and two locker room disagreements which include him punching his teammate affected his performance. But he managed to score 12 goals and also provided six assists in 38 games. His move will depend on the plans Thomas Tuchel has for him next season. If he is needed in Bayern, he can decide to stay and make more impact in Europe. If not, it will be better for him to move to Saudi Arabia and make money. He will even enjoy Saudi society because he is a Muslim.