Manchester City’s Algerian forward, Riyad Mahrez, has completed a move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli, as reported by Saudi state-run Al Ekhbariya TV early on Friday.
The specific details of Mahrez’s transfer were not provided in the tweet by Al Ekhbariya, and Al Ahli has yet to make an official announcement regarding the signing.
During his time with Manchester City, Mahrez scored 78 goals and provided 59 assists in 236 appearances across all competitions. He also won 11 trophies with the club, including five league titles, following his move from Leicester City in 2018.
However, the 32-year-old’s role at Manchester City was reduced in the last season under Pep Guardiola, where he scored 15 goals in 47 games. He missed out on action in the FA Cup and Champions League finals, despite City’s historic treble win.
Last year, Mahrez extended his contract with Manchester City until 2025.
With this move, Mahrez joins a list of big-name signings in the Saudi Pro League, which has attracted Europe-based players in recent times. Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Al Nassr in January of the previous year.
Al Ahli, based in Jeddah, recently earned promotion to the Pro League after spending a season in the second division. Apart from Mahrez, they have also signed Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino on a free transfer and secured Chelsea’s Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy on a three-year deal.
In addition, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced a Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project, involving the league champions Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Hilal, last month.