Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez has completed his much-anticipated move to Al-Ahli, as announced by Saudi state-run TV channel Al Ekhbariya (h/t Ben Jacobs).
Al-Ahli have reached an agreement with Man City on a deal worth €35 million, including add-ons, for the transfer of the Algerian winger.
Mahrez will leave the Premier League giants after a successful five years, during which he lifted the league title four times, two FA Cups and one Champions League title.
The Algerian international’s importance was reduced in the treble-winning campaign last season as Pep Guardiola opted against using him in the knockout stage of the Champions League and the FA Cup final.
However, his impressive performances in the Premier League – five goals and ten assists – ensured he played a big part in City retaining the title.
The 32-year-old has been a pivotal figure in City’s supremacy under Guardiola and he will go down as one of the most important players in the club’s history.
He will also be considered among the best footballers in Premier League history, having won the title five times, including one with Leicester City.
Mahrez will follow in the footsteps of Robert Firmino and Edouard Mendy, who have moved to Al-Ahli from the Premier League.
Bernardo Silva’s future at the Etihad Stadium is also up in the air, which could prompt City to move for a right-winger in the transfer window.
Barcelona’s Raphinha has emerged as a potential target for Cityzens, but the Catalan giants deem him untouchable.
