Riyad Mahrez, the treble-winning winger for Manchester City, has agreed to a £30 million transfer to Saudi Arabia. Mahrez has been a key player for Pep Guardiola’s team since his move from Leicester City in 2018. However, after five trophy-laden seasons, he is now set to depart.
Al-Ahli, a Middle Eastern side, has struck personal terms with Mahrez on a lucrative three-year contract with the option for a fourth. The contract is believed to be worth nearly £500,000 a week. In addition to the contract, Al-Ahli has agreed to pay Manchester City a £30 million fee, with a further £3 million in add-ons.
The transfer is expected to be finalized after Mahrez undergoes a medical in Saudi Arabia tomorrow. He will become the third Premier League star to join Al-Ahli this summer, following Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino.
Mahrez’s departure is likely to rule out an exit for fellow right-sider Bernardo Silva. The Portugal star was also linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, as well as Paris Saint-Germain. However, Guardiola has made it clear that he does not want to lose both left-footers this summer, indicating that Silva will stay at Manchester City for at least one more season.
During his time at Manchester City, Mahrez scored 78 goals in 236 games. He won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and this season’s Champions League. His contribution to the team’s success has been significant, and his departure will undoubtedly leave a void in Guardiola’s squad.
The transfer of Mahrez to Al-Ahli highlights the growing influence and financial power of clubs in Saudi Arabia. The lure of high wages and the opportunity to play in a different league and culture have attracted several Premier League players to make the move. This trend raises questions about the long-term impact on the competitiveness of the Premier League and the ability of clubs to retain their top talents.
For Manchester City, the departure of Mahrez will require Guardiola to find a suitable replacement. The Algerian winger’s skill, pace, and goal-scoring ability will be missed, and it will be a challenge to find a player who can fill his shoes. Guardiola will need to assess his squad and potentially enter the transfer market to strengthen the team’s attacking options.
As for Mahrez, the move to Al-Ahli represents a new chapter in his career. The financial rewards and the opportunity to experience a different footballing culture are undoubtedly appealing. However, there will also be challenges and adjustments to be made as he adapts to a new team, league, and country.
Overall, Riyad Mahrez’s transfer to Saudi Arabia is a significant development in the footballing world. It highlights the global nature of the sport and the increasing influence of clubs from the Middle East. For Manchester City, it presents a challenge in finding a suitable replacement for a player who has been instrumental in their recent success. As for Mahrez, the move offers new opportunities and challenges as he embarks on a new adventure in his career.