Saudi clubs hit with major problem ahead of potential moves for Man Utd star Marcus Rashford and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah as SPL issues statement

Saudi Pro League sides are not considering slowing down their recruitment of top talents and superstars from Europe and the likes of Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr have been linked with an attempt to bring a number of players to the club during the January transfer window. The likes of Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Manchester United's Marcus Rashford have been linked with a potential move to the Middle East amid their different situations with their clubs.

However, the Saudi Pro League announced on Monday that all 18 of their clubs were at their maximum quota of eight foreign players over the age of 21. The clubs must therefore “terminate contracts, sell players, or deregister squad members” if new signings are to arrive in January, according to a Saudi Pro League statement. The league also revealed that 20 of the 36 slots for under-21 foreign players were still open, and they had held 'workshops' with the clubs.

The Saudi Pro League said they will also coordinate with clubs and the Financial Sustainability Committee to ensure compliance with league policies and regulations. The league's statement also said its preparations for the transfer window reflect its commitment to supporting clubs through the facilitation of transfers, improved governance and planning, efforts to ensure player welfare, and enhanced financial sustainability.

The Saudi Pro League is currently on a break for the winter as the players enjoy time away from the pitch. The league will return to action when Al Fateh take on Al-Wehda on January 9.