Toni Kroos Blasts Young Players for Moving to Saudi Arabia, lauds Cristiano Ronaldo

• Toni Kroos has criticized Saudi Arabia again
• The Real Madrid midfielder is concerned about young players from European clubs moving to Saudi Arabia
• Highly rated Spanish forward Gabri Veiga is the latest player to move to the Saudi Pro League

Real Madrid veteran Toni Kroos is not happy about young players from top European clubs moving to the Saudi Pro League. He said it is fine for Cristiano Ronaldo, who is at the end of his career, to move to Saudi Arabia.

Many players from European clubs have moved en masse to Saudi Arabia. Neymar, Benzema, and Sadio Mane are some of the big names that have signed for Saudi Pro League clubs.

By offering monstrous wages, top Saudi Pro League sides have convinced players playing in Europe's top leagues to join them. 21-year-old Gabri Veiga is one player who shocked many fans and players like Kroos for joining Al-Ahli from Celta Vigo.

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The Saudi clubs' aggressive approach in the transfer market saw them bid a world record €300 million bid to sign Kylian Mbappe, but the Frenchman was reportedly not interested.

Their deep-pocketed Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) is looking to transform football in the country, and it appears they are willing to spend enough to lure the best talent. They have also invested in other sports like golf and Formula 1.

They have spent at least $6.3bn (£4.9bn) in sports deals since early 2021, per Guardian.

Kroos concerned about young players

The Madrid star said he is concerned about young players leaving Europe and going to the SPL. He added that everything revolves around money.

“It has been said that the football there is ambitious, but it all revolves around money. In the end, it is a decision for money and against football” via Football Espana.

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He welcomed players like Ronaldo moving to Saudi Arabia because they are almost retiring.

"Everyone has to make that decision for themselves, like Cristiano Ronaldo, who decided to do it towards the end of his career. But it becomes very difficult when players, who are in the middle of their career and have the quality to play for the best clubs in Europe, decide to make those changes.”

The SPL summer transfer window closes on September 20th, and it is likely more top players will join the league.

Kroos blasts Veiga

Sports Brief earlier reported on Kroos terming Veiga's move to Al-Ahli as "embarrassing".

Veiga had a breakout 2022/23 season, which attracted some top clubs in Europe, like Napoli and some in England. However, Al-Ahli won the race for his signature.

The 21-year-old is set to become the latest star from a European club to join Al-Ahli. This summer alone, they have signed Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, Roger Ibanez, Allan Saint-Maximin, Franck Kessie, and Merih Derimal.