New Saints contact Fifa over outstanding Brad Young Saudi fee
In recent years, clubs in the Saudi Professional League have invested heavily in attracting big-name players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Neymar.
In December, FIFA confirmed that Saudi Arabia would host the 2034 Men’s World Cup, a decision that Harris criticized.
Young, who was born in Solihull, joined Saints in September 2023 after leaving Aston Villa and scored 22 goals for the Welsh champions, winning the Cyprus Premier League Player of the Season award.
Young scored twice on his European debut as Craig Harrison’s side secured a historic place in the Europa League group stages.
But the 21-year-old left before Saints played in the League One, much to Harris’ dismay.
Harris added: “They came on the last day before the transfer window closed, rattling our players and promising the world.”
“We’re not a club to sell him – we don’t want to sell him. The money they gave him changed his life.
“This guy from Saudi Arabia always says ‘this is how we are, this is how we are’ and they have a lot of money. I don’t want money – I want players to play in Europe.
“We missed the deadline to play in Europe without a striker. We couldn’t bring in another player. We represented Wales in Europe and the difference was we didn’t score enough goals.
“If we had a player of his caliber, I would say we would have a better chance.”
