Former Barcelona director hints Saudi Arabia may target more La Masia players | OneFootball

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has become a key hub for top European players looking to dabble in the Middle East.

The Saudi league has turned into a home for top names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and others. However, the league has been equally brilliant when it comes to bringing in young talents from Europe.

Earlier in the year, Unai Hernandez made headlines by joining Al Ittihad for a fee of around €4.5 million. A key mastermind behind Hernandez’s move to Saudi Arabia was Ramon Planes, the former Barcelona director.

Ramon Planes talks about the Saudi League

In a recent interaction with Cope (h/t SPORT), Planes opened up about Saudi football and how the country has been able to attract not just top players but also young talents.

“There is a lot of ignorance about Arab football. The football market is becoming more and more consolidated. Raising the level of the players is key, and the best example is this,” said Planes, referring to Al Hilal’s impressive run at the Club World Cup.

Given his long history at FC Barcelona, Planes also admitted to keeping a close watch on the players rising through the club’s youth ranks.

“It’s true that I have very broad knowledge of Barcelona’s academy. In a project like the one in Saudi Arabia, it’s important to know the player,” he said, hinting that more La Masia players could be targeted.

Ramon Planes may target more La Masia talents in the coming future (Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP) (Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)

Ramon Planes on Joan Garcia, Luis Diaz

Planes, who also served as Espanyol’s sporting director, was asked about Joan Garcia’s recent €25 million switch to Barça.

“I have great memories. I know very well what the Espanyol supporter feels. We must take it naturally, always with respect.

“There are many such cases. We have to respect the decisions. I would stick with everything Joan Garcia gave to Espanyol’s first team to achieve their objectives,” he said.

Planes talked about Frenkie de Jong as well, perhaps the most significant purchase during his tenure at Barça.

“De Jong practically had everything done with PSG, but he decided to join Barça. It was an act of fulfilling a dream,” he added.

Finally, Planes also talked about Barcelona’s interest in Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, confirming that Saudi Arabia are also interested in his services.

“He has the profile for solid squad depth. Bayern Munich and Saudi Arabia want him, but he’s not an easy name,” he concluded.