Riyad Mahrez, a winger for Manchester City, is the most recent player to switch from the Premier League to the Saudi Pro League.
- Mahrez signs for Al-Ahli
- Joins Roberto Firmino at Saudi side
- Won 11 trophies at Man City
Riyad Mahrez departs Man City and completes a £30 million transfer to Al-Ahli of the Saudi Pro League.
WHAT HAPPENED? Mahrez departed Manchester City and joined Al-Ahli, according to the Premier League champions. The winger, whose future was uncertain, was left off the team’s preseason tour roster and has since joined with the Saudi Pro League team in a deal costing reportedly £30 million (€35 million, $39.2 million), plus add-ons.
WHAT THEY SAID: “I have had five unforgettable years with this football club, working with unbelievable players, fantastic supporters, and the best manager in the world,” he said, according to the club’s official website. “I’ve created a lifetime’s worth of amazing memories, and the way in which we won the Premier League title, together with the struggles we went through against Liverpool and Arsenal the previous year, highlighted our shared goal and mentality to be the best. A significant and joyful aspect of my life will always remain Manchester City.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Mahrez is the most recent player to relocate to the Middle East during the summer transfer season, which is a trend. Along with former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino and Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy, the Algerian international has joined Al-Ahli. Manchester City is anticipated to try to find a successor and has been linked to a move for Raphinha of Barcelona.
THEN WHAT? On August 11, Al-Ahli will face Al-Hazm to begin their new Saudi Pro League season.
