Michael Emenalo appointed as director of Saudi Pro League to enhance league competition

The former Nigerian international has worked at Chelsea and AS Monaco as director of football

Michael Emenalo, previously Chelsea's technical director, declined Newcastle United's offer to become their next director of football, according to sources. He has since been appointed director of the Saudi Pro League.

Michael Emenalo, 56, came to Saudi Arabia for talks and was said to be the club's No. 1 candidate for the post, with chairman Jamie Reuben and Newcastle's Saudi investors as well as first-team coach Eddie Howe eager to select him.

Michael Emenalo is a well-recognised figure despite a disastrous tenure at Monaco and an eye-catching period of achievement at Chelsea, in the course of which they captured three Premier Leagues, the FA and League Cups, and the Champions and Europa League crowns.

The Nigerian was a major piece in the Blues' recruiting of footballers and management, acquiring world-class performers like Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Thibaut Courtois, as well as enticing Eden Hazard to return to Stamford Bridge.

He also rebuilt the team's youth and can take some responsibility for Reece James and Mason Mount, among others, graduating to the first squad and Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham, amongst other people, being passed on for significant profits.

Although his 'loan army' strategy has been contentious, with allegations of accumulating the best players, it has cost the club fortunes.

The Saudi League is seeking to draw eyeballs to their competition through the negotiation of large deals. They picked up several big names from Europe. They are on the search for more reinforcements.

Saudi Arabia’s football teams have the resources to make these spectacular acquisitions thanks to funding by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which currently controls Premier League club Newcastle United.

PIF gained authority over Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, and Al Nassr. Although many are disputing their actions, they are not acting without discretion.