Riyad Mahrez has joined the Saudi Pro League team Al Ahli, following his transfer from Manchester City, it was announced on Friday.
Sources have revealed to ESPN that the Premier League champions agreed to a £30 million ($38.7m) deal with Al Ahli for Mahrez, who expressed a desire to play in Saudi Arabia. The agreement includes a guaranteed payment of £26m, with an additional £4m in potential add-ons.
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Mahrez, who secured four Premier League titles with Manchester City, including a historic Treble last season, has had an illustrious career. Since his arrival from Leicester City in 2018, he has made 236 appearances for the club.
“To play for Manchester City has been an honor and privilege,” Mahrez said on City’s website. “I came to City to win trophies and enjoy my football, and I achieved all that and so much more.
“I have had five unforgettable years with this football club, working with unbelievable players, fantastic supporters, and the best manager in the world.
“I’ve made a lifetime of wonderful memories, and the manner of our Premier League title wins and the battles we’ve had with Liverpool and, last year, Arsenal, underlined our collective desire and mentality to be the best.
“Manchester City will forever be a huge and happy part of my life.”
Shortly after the announcement, Al Ahli named Matthias Jaissle as their new manager on a three-year contract. This decision comes just hours after German club FC Salzburg sacked Jaissle at his own request, as he expressed an interest in joining the Saudi club.
“We believe that a coach who is so intensely concerned with a possible change of club just two days before the start of an important season should not be there for this opener either,” said Salzburg managing director Stephen Rider in a statement.
“We want to start the new season with full energy and conviction. To do that, we need 100% focus from everyone involved.”
Al Ahli, who secured promotion as champions of the Saudi First Division League last season, have also made notable signings, including striker Roberto Firmino from Liverpool and goalkeeper Édouard Mendy from Chelsea.
