Another major transfer to Saudi football is set to be completed today as Algeria national team superstar Riyad Mahrez was given permission by current club Manchester City to finalize the details on a move to Al Ahli Saudi FC. Reports indicate that a $39 million fee has been agreed between the clubs for the 32-year-old and Mahrez is off to Saudi Arabia to complete a medical. Mahrez will sign on a four-year contract with Al Ahli.
The move comes after a 2022-23 season that was a bit frustrating for Mahrez whose role in City manager Pep Guardiola’s starting eleven fluctuated throughout the campaign. Despite his inconsistent role the Algerian accumulated 15 goals and 11 assists in 47 appearances for the reigning English Premier League champions during the last season and was always a consistent contributor during his five seasons at the club.
Mahrez ends his spell at City with 78 goals and 57 assists in 236 appearances across all competitions. He also has 30 goals and 37 assists over 83 appearances for the Algeria national team since making his debut in a friendly against Armenia in May 2014.
The French-born playmaker joins another African star in transferring to Al Ahli after Senegal national team goalkeeper Édouard Mendy completed a $20 million move at the beginning of the month. Al Ahli won the 2022-23 Saudi second tier championship under South African manager Pitso Mosimane to earn promotion to the top division Saudi Pro League for this season and are eager to challenge for the title.
