According to The Athletic, former Chelsea executive Michael Emenalo will be appointed as the first-ever director of football in the Saudi Pro League.
This decision highlights Saudi Arabia’s strong ambition to attract top-level talent on and off the field. Emenalo is well-known for his successful tenure at Chelsea from 2011 to 2017, during which he played a crucial role in the club’s notable achievements across various divisions, including men’s, women’s, and academy teams.
Emenalo, known for his proficiency in overseeing transfer activities, is set to become the inaugural director of football in the Saudi Pro League.
Emenalo achieved notable success during his time at Chelsea, where he played a crucial role in signing renowned football stars such as Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, and N’Golo Kante. After leaving Chelsea, he served as the sporting director at AS Monaco for two years before engaging in consultancy work.
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Widely recognized as one of Europe’s top sporting directors, Emenalo’s appointment reflects the Saudi League’s commitment to implementing world-class principles and frameworks akin to those seen in leading football leagues.
The appointment of Emenalo as the director of football in the Saudi Pro League reflects the league’s commitment to enhancing its infrastructure and competitiveness.
Emenalo’s extensive network and vast experience will enable him to build a capable team and utilize his past collaborations to strengthen the league’s foundations.
A key focus for Emenalo will be nurturing young Saudi talent by providing them with valuable opportunities to learn and progress in the football industry.
The SPL’s decision to establish this role demonstrates its determination to attract top-tier players and managers.
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Emenalo’s inclusion reaffirms their dedication to securing exceptional talent on and off the field. As the league embarks on this exciting new chapter, there is great anticipation for what the future holds.