Former Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has expressed concerns about the increasing trend of football players leaving European leagues to join Middle Eastern clubs.

Carragher's warning came in response to reports linking Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva with a potential move to the top flight in Saudi Arabia.

According to ESPN, Silva has received a lucrative offer from the Middle East, which presents a tempting proposition for the Portuguese star. Carragher's remarks highlight the potential impact of such moves on European football and the allure of the financial incentives involved.

Several Premier League stars, including N’golo Kante and Hakim Ziyech, have all but secured moves to the Middle East, leading to a concern over the transfer dealings between the Middle Eastern nation and some European clubs.

While there is no doubt Saudi Arabia has made its presence known in the transfer market, Carragher is concerned about the future of European top-flight leagues, specifically the Premier League.

The former footballer-turned-pundit tweeted on Wednesday, June 21 that has since gone viral as it rang alarm bells over the potential of top football stars abandoning Europe in their prime to play in Saudi Arabia.

Bernardo Silva is in his peak years & has been one of the best players in Europe for the last five years! I wasn’t worried about the Saudi League taking players in their 30’s, a touch worried with players below the elite (Neves) but if this happens it feels like a game changer…

Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) June 21, 2023

“Bernardo Silva is in his peak years & has been one of the best players in Europe for the last five years,” he tweeted.

“I wasn’t worried about the Saudi League taking players in their 30’s, a touch worried with players below the elite (Neves) but if this happens it feels like a game changer.”

Who else has joined Saudi Arabia?

Interestingly, Carragher’s colleague Gary Neville also recently called on investigations into the big money transfers and offers from Saudi Arabia to big names in European football.

Wolverhampton Wanderers playmaker Ruben Neves also stunned the football world recently, after it was confirmed that he would be joining the Saudi Arabia pro league, ending speculation of a potential move to Barcelona.

Karim Benzema also recently joined Al Ittihad, while there are rumours Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is also on his way to the Middle East.

Son Heung Min addresses Saudi rumours

Sports Brief also reported on Son Heung Min’s response when asked about rumours linking him to Saudi Arabia.

The South Korean maintained he had unfinished business in the Premier League, and would likely stay at Tottenham next season.

"I have many things to do in the Premier League,” he said as quoted on The Sun.