Manchester City’s Algerian forward Riyad Mahrez has officially joined Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli, according to Saudi state-run Al Ekhbariya TV. The announcement was made on Twitter by Al Ekhbariya, stating that Mahrez is the latest addition to Al-Ahli’s team, although no further details were provided. The Jeddah-based club has yet to make an official announcement regarding the transfer.
During his time at Manchester City, Mahrez achieved impressive statistics, scoring 78 goals and providing 59 assists in 236 appearances across all competitions. He also won a total of 11 trophies with the club, including five league titles, after joining from Leicester City in 2018.
However, the 32-year-old experienced a reduced role in Pep Guardiola’s team last season, scoring 15 goals in 47 games. Despite this, he was unable to participate in the FA Cup and Champions League finals, where City achieved a historic treble.
It is worth noting that Mahrez extended his contract with Manchester City until 2025 last year.
Mahrez’s move to Al-Ahli makes him the latest high-profile signing in the Saudi Pro League, which has become an attractive destination for European players. This trend began when Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in January last year.
Al-Ahli, who recently earned promotion to the Pro League after spending one season in the second division, has also secured the services of Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino on a free transfer and Chelsea’s Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy on a three-year deal.
In addition, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced a Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project last month. This project involves the league champions Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr, and Al-Hilal.
The article was reported by Hatem Maher and edited by Tom Hogue and Stephen Coates, adhering to The Thomson RushHourDaily Trust Principles.
