Five-time Premier League champion Riyad Mahrez – with a single title from Leicester and four from Manchester City – is set to join Saudi Pro League’s Al-Ahli, in a deal worth £30m.
The 32-year-old Algerian winger has been exempted from Manchester City’s pre-season tour to Japan and South Korea, pending a successful bid that meets City’s valuation. Mahrez, whose contract with City still had two years remaining, joined them in 2018 for £60m. He netted 15 goals in 47 matches during City’s Treble-winning season.
Despite his contributions, Mahrez didn’t feature in the FA Cup and Champions League finals, prompting manager Pep Guardiola to let him join the roster of high-profile SPL signings this summer.
Liverpool has similarly struck a tentative £12m deal, with additional add-ons, to offload England midfielder Jordan Henderson to Al-Ettifaq. Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Ruben Neves are other notable transfers to Saudi Arabia this summer, joining Cristiano Ronaldo. Moreover, Steven Gerrard has been appointed Al-Ettifaq manager, and Michael Emenalo has become the SPL’s director of football.
With Al-Ahli among the clubs taken over by the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the SPL is ambitiously striving to enter the ranks of the world’s top five leagues.
Mahrez will be the sole senior player not participating in City’s Asian tour.
Meanwhile, England defender Kyle Walker, Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva, and Spanish defender Aymeric Laporte have all been rumored to be on the move this summer, though they are part of Guardiola’s squad for the pre-season fixtures.
German reports suggesting Bayern Munich’s acquisition of Walker appear to be unfounded. Portuguese full-back Joao Cancelo remains with the City squad, as Bayern didn’t exercise the option to make his six-month loan permanent.
US goalkeeper Zach Steffen is out with a knee injury, but City is potentially open to his transfer this summer.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Riyad Mahrez transfer
Who is set to buy Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City?
Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli is set to buy Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City in a deal worth £30m.
What is Riyad Mahrez’s accomplishment with Manchester City?
Riyad Mahrez has won the Premier League four times with Manchester City. He was also part of the team during City’s Treble-winning season where he scored 15 goals in 47 games.
Who are the other notable players transferred to the Saudi Pro League this summer?
Besides Riyad Mahrez, other notable players who have transferred to the Saudi Pro League include Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Neves, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Who are the Manchester City players speculated to be transferring this summer?
Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva, and Aymeric Laporte are among the Manchester City players whose transfers are being speculated this summer.
Has Riyad Mahrez’s transfer to Al-Ahli affected his participation in Manchester City’s Asian tour?
Yes, Riyad Mahrez has been exempted from participating in Manchester City’s pre-season tour to Asia due to his impending transfer to Al-Ahli.
More about Riyad Mahrez transfer
- Manchester City Official Website
- Al-Ahli Club Official Website
- Saudi Pro League Official Website
- Premier League Official Website
- Latest Football Transfers
6 comments
Honestly, didnt expect Mahrez to leave City, but £30m ain’t bad, right? We trust in Pep.
Mahrez has been good for City but guess its time to move on, hope we get a good replacement tho.
Mahrez joining SPL? The league is getting some serious talents this summer! Cant wait to watch the matches.
mahrez leaving for Al-Ahli, wow! Wish him all the best. Still rememeber his magic at Leicester.
Football’s becoming crazy, riyad to saudi arabia! But gotta admit, SPL is looking more and more interesting.
wow thats a big move for Mahrez! Hope it works out for him, still got game left in him for sure.