"Prepare some items and we'll reconvene at home afterwards"
In a surprising turn of events, VfB Stuttgart's star player, Enzo Millot, has left the Bundesliga to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli. This move, while financially significant, is generally viewed as a step down from playing top European football leagues.
Stuttgart competes in one of Europe’s top five leagues, known for high competitiveness and strong exposure. On the other hand, the Saudi Pro League is improving but is not yet considered on par with Europe’s elite competitions.
Millot was a regular starter at Stuttgart with 89 Bundesliga appearances and significant contributions in goals and assists (11 goals in Bundesliga, 12 goals and 8 assists over the last full season), helping his team secure European qualification spots. Despite interest from major European clubs like Atlético Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur, he chose to move to Al-Ahli, reportedly for a €28 million fee. The presence of German coach Matthias Jaissle at Al-Ahli was likely influential in securing the deal.
The move has sparked mixed feelings among VfB fans, who remember the good times they shared with Millot, including his two-goal performance in the DFB Cup final win against Arminia Bielefeld. The club is now searching for a replacement, with Fabio Vieira from FC Arsenal being in the spotlight.
In his farewell message, Millot expressed emotional words to the VfB fans. The move to the Saudi league allows VfB Stuttgart to receive around 10 million euros more than an early transfer to a European top league would have triggered. The club is expected to receive around 30 million euros for the transfer of Enzo Millot.
Moving to Saudi Arabia at age 23 may limit Millot’s exposure to the highest levels of competition and reduce his chances to continue developing against elite European players regularly. However, the transfer could offer financial benefits and a different competitive environment, which might suit his personal or professional goals. Unless he returns to Europe’s top leagues in the near future, this move might hinder his trajectory toward elite European football and potentially national team consideration due to lower visibility and competition standards.
[1] Bundesliga Official Website [2] Saudi Pro League Official Website [3] FIFA World Rankings [4] Transfermarkt [5] Sky Sports
- Millot's decision to move to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League instead of joining Atlético Madrid or Tottenham Hotspur in the top European leagues might have been influenced by the prospect of financial benefits, as the transfer is reportedly worth €28 million.
- Despite joining the Saudi Pro League being a step away from playing top European football leagues, Enzo Millot's transfer to Al-Ahli could present a unique competitive environment and potential personal or professional growth, but it might limit his exposure to elite European players and future national team consideration due to lower visibility and competition standards.
