Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has stated that Saudi Arabia has changed the football transfer market in their efforts to “create a strong league.” This comes after Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez left City to join Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.
Mahrez, who had an impressive record of 78 goals and 59 assists for City, made the move to Al-Ahli for a reported sum of 35 million euros ($38.55 million) plus additional add-ons.
When asked if he wanted Mahrez to continue playing for City, Guardiola expressed his desire to keep him, saying: “Definitely. I enjoyed as a manager to be with him. I had a special relationship with him…
“Saudi Arabia has changed the market. A few months ago when Cristiano (Ronaldo) was the only one to go, no one thought this many top, top players would play in the Saudi league,” added the Spanish manager, speaking ahead of the pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid.
Guardiola acknowledged that the Saudi Pro League has become an appealing destination for Europe-based players since Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr in January. Other notable players, such as Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Jordan Henderson, have also made moves to Saudi.
There are also rumors that City may lose another player to the Saudi league, with Portuguese international Bernardo Silva reportedly linked with a move to Al Hilal.
“They want to create a strong league and so far they are the league who can do it…,” Guardiola stated.
He also expressed uncertainty regarding the sustainability of the Saudi league, but acknowledged that players are eager to take the opportunity to play in the league.
City’s first match of the upcoming domestic campaign is the Community Shield game against Arsenal on August 6th.
