Riyad Mahrez completes transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli
Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli have completed the signing of Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City, according to multiple reports. The 32-year-old has joined the Jeddah-based side on a permanent transfer, bringing an end to his five-year spell at the Premier League champions. While the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, it is understood Al-Ahli have secured his services ahead of several other suitors.
Mahrez departs Manchester City as a club legend, having been a pivotal figure in their recent dominance of English football. He arrived from Leicester City in 2018 for a then-club record fee and went on to score 78 goals in 236 appearances. During his time at the Etihad, he won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups, and the UEFA Champions League last season, contributing 15 goals in their historic treble-winning campaign.
The move to Al-Ahli represents a significant new chapter for Mahrez and a major coup for the Saudi Pro League, which has attracted a host of global stars this summer. Al-Ahli, one of four clubs recently taken under the control of the country's Public Investment Fund, have been particularly active, also signing goalkeeper Edouard Mendy from Chelsea and midfielder Roberto Firmino from Liverpool. Mahrez is expected to be a marquee figurehead for their ambitious project.
For Manchester City, the sale of Mahrez follows the departures of Ilkay Gundogan and Aymeric Laporte, signaling a transitional phase in Pep Guardiola's squad. The club has already secured the signing of Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea and is reportedly active in the market for a wide attacker to fill the void. Mahrez's creativity and proven big-game pedigree will be a loss, but his reduced playing time in the latter stages of last season suggested a parting of ways was plausible.
The transfer aligns with the broader strategic vision of both parties. For Mahrez, it offers a lucrative long-term contract and a central role in a rapidly growing league. For Al-Ahli, acquiring a player of his technical quality and prestige is a statement of intent as they aim to challenge for domestic honours and make an impact in Asian competition. His experience and winning mentality will be invaluable in a squad undergoing a dramatic overhaul.
