Michael Emenalo is stepping down as chief football executive of the Saudi Pro League (SPL), bringing to a close a three-year tenure that reshaped the league's recruitment landscape, according to The Athletic.

The former Super Eagles defender, who also served as head of the league's Player Acquisition Center of Excellence (PACE), departs having arrived in 2023 at the end of his contracted term.

A stint defined by ambition

During his time in the role, Emenalo drove the signing of a series of high-profile players to the SPL. He also made a deliberate effort to reduce the average age of squads in the league, steering clubs toward younger talent.

The former Chelsea technical director is now understood to be eager to return closer to his family, and clubs in Europe have already registered interest in his services.

SPL and Emenalo speak on the exit

The SPL issued a statement on Tuesday: