Former Chelsea Sporting Director, Michael Emenalo, has been appointed as the inaugural Director of Football for the nascent Saudi Pro League (SPL), according to reports from theathletic.com.
The SPL has been making significant strides in its quest to attract top players, coaches, and managers from around the world, enticing them with lucrative contracts that have made the league a magnet for talent.
Emenalo enjoyed a highly successful tenure at Chelsea, serving as the Sporting Director from 2011 to 2017. During his time at the club, he oversaw remarkable achievements across the men’s, women’s, and academy teams.
His involvement in transfer activities proved pivotal, as he played a crucial role in recruiting star players such as Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, and N’Golo Kante.
Following his tenure at Chelsea, Emenalo assumed the position of Sporting Director at AS Monaco for two years before engaging in consultancy roles.
Regarded as one of the best in his field, Emenalo’s appointment in the SPL will see him contribute his expertise to develop frameworks and implement principles akin to those observed in the world’s top football divisions.
In addition to his wealth of experience, Emenalo will bring along a competent staff, drawing upon the expertise, experience, and connections of individuals he has previously worked with. Furthermore, he intends to strengthen the setup by recruiting additional personnel.
Emenalo’s responsibilities extend beyond the present, as he is expected to nurture young Saudi talents by offering them opportunities to join his team. This initiative aims to provide valuable industry knowledge and aid in the advancement of their careers.
Emenalo’s football journey began with Enyimba before playing for Enugu Rangers. He later moved to the United States, where he attended college at Boston University and played from 1985 to 1988.
Throughout his career, he represented clubs such as Molenbeek in Belgium, Eintracht Trier in Germany, and Notts County F.C in England. He also had stints with the San Jose Clash in Major League Soccer and played for UE Lleida in Spain and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel.
As a Nigerian international, Emenalo earned 14 caps between 1984 and 1995. He featured in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, missing the first match due to injury but subsequently played against Argentina and Greece before Nigeria’s elimination by Italy.
Emenalo’s appointment in the SPL is anticipated to inject a wealth of expertise and pave the way for the league’s future growth. With his proven track record and commitment to nurturing talent, Emenalo is set to make a lasting impact on Saudi Arabian football.
