Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez has joined Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli from Manchester City on a deal until 2027, both clubs said on Friday.
Financial details were not revealed, but British media reported the Premier League champions have accepted an offer from the Saudi side worth 35 million euros ($38.53 million) plus five million in add-ons.
“To play for Manchester City has been an honour and privilege,” Mahrez said in a statement. “I came to City to win trophies and enjoy my football and I achieved all that and so much more.
“I have had five unforgettable years with this football club, working with unbelievable players, fantastic supporters, and the best manager in the world... Manchester City will forever be a huge and happy part of my life.”
Mahrez scored 78 goals and made 59 assists in 236 appearances in all competitions with City, and won 11 trophies at the club, including five league titles following his move from Leicester City in 2018.
The 32-year-old saw his role for Pep Guardiola’s side reduced last season, scoring 15 goals in 47 games, but missing out on action in the FA Cup and Champions League finals as City won their historic treble.
Last year he had renewed his contract until 2025.
Mahrez will team up with Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy who joined the Saudi club from Chelsea last month, while Roberto Firmino is the other Premier League player who will be playing for the Al Ahli.
City could also part with another midfielder as Portuguese international Bernardo Silva has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal, according to British media reports.
Coach confirmed
Besides netting Mahrez, Al Ahli have also zeroed in on their manager for the upcoming season. Matthias Jaissle, who coached Austrian Bundesliga champions Red Bull Salzburg, is close to making a move to the Saudi club.
Salzburg confirmed the news of parting ways with the German manager on Friday.
Salzburg said they have released the 35-year-old from his duties after the former 1899 Hoffenheim player requested to move to the Saudi side. “We believe that a coach who is so intensely concerned with a possible change of club just two days before the start of an important season should not be there for this opener either,” managing director Stephen Rider said.
Salzburg said the negotiations with Al Ahli are currently in the final phase. Florens Koch and Alexander Hauser will take charge of Salzburg in place of Jaissle.
The Saudi Pro League has become an attractive destination for Europe-based players since Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Al Nassr in January.
