In recent football transfer news, Riyad Mahrez, the talented Algeria winger, is set to embark on a new chapter in his career. Manchester City and Al-Ahli have reached an agreement on a staggering £30 million deal for Mahrez’s transfer to the Saudi Pro League side. This development is causing quite a buzz among football enthusiasts worldwide. Let’s delve deeper into the details of this high-profile transfer and what it means for both clubs involved.
The Deal:
Manchester City, the Premier League champions, paid £60 million to acquire Riyad Mahrez’s services in 2018. Over the years, Mahrez has been a crucial part of City’s success, contributing significantly to their triumphs, including five Premier League titles, one with Leicester City and four with Manchester City. However, the winger had two years left on his contract, and City decided to let him go this summer, accepting a £30 million deal with Al-Ahli [1].
Permission Granted for Transfer:
Riyad Mahrez has been given permission to skip Manchester City’s pre-season trip to Japan and South Korea. This arrangement was already agreed upon, subject to a bid that matches City’s valuation of the player. With the deal now finalized, Mahrez will undergo medicals to complete the move to Al-Ahli, marking his transition from the English football scene to the Saudi Pro League [2].
City’s Big-Name Exits:
Mahrez’s departure from Manchester City is not the only major transfer in recent times. Liverpool has also agreed to a deal to sell England midfielder Jordan Henderson to Al-Ettifaq for £12 million plus add-ons. Moreover, the summer transfer window has witnessed significant moves with players like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Ruben Neves also making their way to Saudi Arabia. Steven Gerrard has been named Al-Ettifaq manager, and Michael Emenalo appointed as the SPL’s director of football, indicating a period of significant changes in the league [1].
City’s Pre-Season Squad:
Riyad Mahrez’s absence in Manchester City’s trip to Asia is notable, but other key players like England defender Kyle Walker, Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva, and Spain defender Aymeric Laporte are still part of the pre-season traveling squad. While there have been rumors of a deal with Bayern Munich for Kyle Walker, City is eager to retain the talented defender. With Mahrez’s departure, City is now focused on finding a suitable replacement while aiming to hold onto Bernardo Silva amid interest from Paris St Germain [1].
Al Ahli’s Ambitious Move:
Al Ahli’s acquisition of Riyad Mahrez reflects the Saudi Pro League’s ambition to become one of the top five leagues globally. The club’s signing of high-profile players such as Mahrez, along with the recent takeover of four leading SPL clubs by the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), signifies a significant push to boost the league’s stature in the football world [3][4].
Conclusion:
Riyad Mahrez’s move to Al-Ahli marks a pivotal moment in his illustrious career and signals Manchester City’s willingness to let go of key players to accommodate new talent. As the Algerian winger sets his sights on new challenges in the Saudi Pro League, football fans eagerly await the impact he will make in his new team. With major changes happening in the SPL and ambitious moves by Al-Ahli, the 2023-2024 season promises to be an exciting one for football enthusiasts worldwide.
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