Emenalo tasked with creating 'sustainable' talent pool for Saudi Pro League

July 24 - Former Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo, now director of football for the Saudi Pro League, has spoken about his new role as head of the country's Player Acquisition Center of Excellence (PACE).

Emenalo will lead the project, which aims to nurture both young Saudi talent and the "best" international talent.

During Emenalo's decade-long stint at Stamford Bridge, the West-London club's scouting, recruitment, development and loan systems were revolutionized by the Nigerian, who is credited with overseeing crucial transfers such as Ngolo Kante and Eden Hazard, as well as playing a significant role in building up the Chelsea women's team.

Under Emenalo, the new Center of Excellence aims to provide expertise to all clubs in the league. "I am intrigued by the audacity of the project and the ambition," Emanalo said.

The SPL have thrust themselves into the global spotlight with top-flight chants like Christiano Ronaldo and 35-year-old Ballon d'Or holder Karim Benzema on a three-year deal worth almost £200million a year. The league are reportedly eyeing PSG and French superstar Kylian Mbappe.

Emenalo said the SPL was looking for "the opportunity to compete".

“I can understand the sensitivities to something that is so new and so bold in its ambition. improve everything that exists in the industry,” said Emanalo.

“Right now, we are casting our nets as far and wide as possible, to make sure we bring in the best talent in the league. I think the Saudi League provides a new opportunity first and foremost for the whole industry, and I think it will create opportunities for good competition and for more development of young talent.”

Emanalo hailed the "knowledge" and effort that shaped the SPL strategy and created PACE. He said: “I've been working with people behind the scenes for some time. I audited the project myself, to understand it. This project has been in the works for a while. It's not an impulsive decision, it's well thought out. I'm impressed with the knowledge and contribution that goes into it, and I think it's a boost for our industry as a whole. »

Contact the author of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1690214966labto1690214966ofdlr1690214966owedi1690214966sni@o1690214966fni1690214966

Sports Jul 24, 2023 0 19 Add to Reading List

July 24 - Former Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo, now director of football for the Saudi Pro League, has spoken about his new role as head of the country's Player Acquisition Center of Excellence (PACE).

Emenalo will lead the project, which aims to nurture both young Saudi talent and the "best" international talent.

During Emenalo's decade-long stint at Stamford Bridge, the West-London club's scouting, recruitment, development and loan systems were revolutionized by the Nigerian, who is credited with overseeing crucial transfers such as Ngolo Kante and Eden Hazard, as well as playing a significant role in building up the Chelsea women's team.

Under Emenalo, the new Center of Excellence aims to provide expertise to all clubs in the league. "I am intrigued by the audacity of the project and the ambition," Emanalo said.

The SPL have thrust themselves into the global spotlight with top-flight chants like Christiano Ronaldo and 35-year-old Ballon d'Or holder Karim Benzema on a three-year deal worth almost £200million a year. The league are reportedly eyeing PSG and French superstar Kylian Mbappe.

Emenalo said the SPL was looking for "the opportunity to compete".

“I can understand the sensitivities to something that is so new and so bold in its ambition. improve everything that exists in the industry,” said Emanalo.

“Right now, we are casting our nets as far and wide as possible, to make sure we bring in the best talent in the league. I think the Saudi League provides a new opportunity first and foremost for the whole industry, and I think it will create opportunities for good competition and for more development of young talent.”

Emanalo hailed the "knowledge" and effort that shaped the SPL strategy and created PACE. He said: “I've been working with people behind the scenes for some time. I audited the project myself, to understand it. This project has been in the works for a while. It's not an impulsive decision, it's well thought out. I'm impressed with the knowledge and contribution that goes into it, and I think it's a boost for our industry as a whole. »

Contact the author of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1690214966labto1690214966ofdlr1690214966owedi1690214966sni@o1690214966fni1690214966