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Saudi Arabia is set to launch a new assault on world football – scouring the planet for some of its best young talent.
Mail Sport understands that well-funded Pro League clubs are likely to increase the number of foreign players allowed in the competition from eight to ten in the summer.
However, such a rise is likely to come with an age restriction rule that will see state-funded clubs turn their attention to the best players at academies in Europe, South America and beyond.
This move is believed to have the potential to cause major headaches for other leagues around the world. was discussed recently and will be revisited at the end of the upcoming season.
After a £700 million tour that brought stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema to the kingdom, a change of direction is now on the cards.
Saudi Arabia has recruited some of the world's biggest names in the last 12 months, including Cristiano Ronaldo (right) and Karim Benzema (left).
Neymar also moved to the Middle East but is currently out due to injury
Jordan Henderson has struggled to find his feet but Saudi Arabia wants to continue spending big on the world's best young talent in the coming months
Doubts about the league's prospects emerged after it was revealed that England midfielder Jordan Henderson wants Al-Ettifaq to leave his former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard, and there were reports that Benzema was also unsure.
However, Pro League vice-chairman and interim CEO Saad Allazeez sent a defiant message, saying officials were “more than happy” with the competition’s progress.
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“Saudi is a football nation and our new strategy, introduced at the start of this season, is all about long-term, sustainable growth with the aim of becoming one of the top leagues in the world,” he told Mail Sport.
“We are more than satisfied with what we have achieved in the first five months.” Everything is going in the right direction. We are in a very healthy position. However, we know that football never stops and this is just the first step in a long journey ahead.”