Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says the rapidly emerging Saudi Pro League is not a threat it is a reality that is completely changing the market.

Speaking after his winger Riyad Mahrez joined the exodus of top players who have left for the middle east, Guardiola warned that elite clubs would “need to be aware of what is happening.”

Cristiano Ronaldo was the first major name to move to Saudi Arabia, a deal that happened as recently as December. Since then, a plethora of big-name players have made the move. These names include Jordan Henderson, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Neves, Jota, Roberto Firmino and Edouard Mendy.

Reflecting on the trend Guardiola said: “Saudi Arabia has changed the market.

“A few months ago, when Cristiano was the only one to go, no-one thought this many top, top players would play in the Saudi league.

“In the future there will be more and that’s why clubs need to be aware of what is happening.

“Riyad got an incredible offer and that’s why we could not say ‘don’t do it’.”

Speaking to the media during Manchester City’s preseason tour of Asia Guardiola added: “It is not about the threat; it is a reality.

“They want to create a strong league and so far, they are the league who can do it.