Man City forward Riyad Mahrez set to complete Al-Ahli transfer

Manchester City forward Riyad Mahrez is set to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, as per The Athletic.

The five-time Premier League champion emerged as a primary target for the Jeddah-based club earlier in this summer, and they have finally reached an agreement with Man City.

Mahrez has previously agreed personal terms with Al-Ahli, and both clubs have now settled on a €35 million transfer fee plus €5m in add-ons.

The 32-year-old is set to undergo a medical tomorrow ahead of his proposed move to Saudi Arabia, where he will sign a three-year contract with an option for a fourth.

Mahrez is set to be the second high-profile departure from Pep Guardiola’s history-making treble-winning squad following Ilkay Gundogan’s move to Barcelona.

But there could be more exits, with Bernardo Silva, Kyle Walker and Aymeric Laporte facing uncertain futures.

Silva is also subject to interest from the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal extremely keen to capture his signature, while Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are the player’s European suitors.

Man City are desperate not to lose both Silva and Mahrez this summer and have ramped up their efforts to keep the dazzling Portuguese forward.

However, they are aware of Silva’s desire to explore opportunities abroad and have already begun preparations to cope with his possible departure.

The European champions have set their sights on Barca winger Raphinha who could be on the move again just 12 months after moving to Spotify Camp Nou from Leeds United.

Talks have already begun between officials from both clubs, with Barca willing to listen to offers despite the Brazilian’s reluctance to sever ties with the Spanish champions.

If the transfer goes smoothly, Mahrez will be Al-Ahli’s third high-profile signing of the summer transfer window, having signed Edouard Mendy from Chelsea and Roberto Firmino on a free transfer from Liverpool.