In a significant transfer move, Manchester City has finalized the sale of their winger, Riyad Mahrez, to Al-Ahli. The Saudi Arabian club will pay Man City a fee of 35 million euros, with additional incentives, securing Mahrez’s services until 2027, and an option to extend the contract for another year.
This article delves into the details of the deal, Mahrez’s contribution to Manchester City, and his future at Al-Ahli, as he joins fellow football stars in the Saudi Arabian league.
The Transfer Deal
Al-Ahli is set to pay Manchester City 35 million euros to acquire the services of Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian winger is scheduled to undergo a medical examination within the next 24 hours before formally signing an agreement with Al-Ahli.
The contract will tie him to the club until 2027, with an option to extend for an additional year. Both parties are expected to make an official announcement of the deal later this week, marking a significant addition to Al-Ahli’s squad.
Mahrez’s Absence from Man City’s Summer Tour
Ahead of the transfer, Riyad Mahrez was omitted from Manchester City’s list of 25 players traveling to Japan for the summer tour. Coach Pep Guardiola’s decision to exclude him from the squad further indicated the impending move to Al-Ahli. With his future now set, Mahrez will be focused on starting the next chapter of his football career with the Saudi Arabian club.
Bernardo Silva’s Uncertain Future
With Mahrez’s departure, Manchester City will now shift their focus to retaining midfielder Bernardo Silva, who is also being sought after by Al-Hilal and several other European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain. Silva’s potential departure adds a layer of complexity to Manchester City’s transfer dealings this summer, as they aim to maintain their squad’s competitive edge.
Mahrez’s Manchester City Legacy
Riyad Mahrez joined Manchester City from Leicester City in 2018 for a transfer fee of 67.8 million euros. During his tenure at the club, the 32-year-old made 236 appearances, proving to be a valuable asset with 78 goals and 59 assists. His contributions played a crucial role in Manchester City’s domestic and European successes over the years.
The Financial Aspect of the Transfer
Some observers argue that the transfer fee of 35 million euros for Mahrez may be inflated, considering the player’s age and the extensive utilization of his skills during his time at Manchester City. At 32 years old, Mahrez is not considered a young player anymore, which could have influenced the value of the transfer fee.
Teammates at Al-Ahli
At Al-Ahli, Riyad Mahrez will join the ranks alongside goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and striker Roberto Firmino. The trio’s presence is expected to bolster the club’s performance and competitiveness in the Saudi Arabian league.
The completion of Riyad Mahrez’s transfer to Al-Ahli marks a significant move in the world of football. Manchester City has agreed to sell the talented winger to the Saudi Arabian club for 35 million euros, providing Al-Ahli with a seasoned player to enhance their squad.
As Mahrez embarks on a new chapter in his career, Manchester City will focus on securing the future of other key players, including Bernardo Silva. The impact of Mahrez’s departure from Manchester City and his integration into Al-Ahli’s team will be closely watched by football enthusiasts worldwide.