Al Ahli Secures Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City in €35m Deal
Al Ahli, the Saudi Pro League side, has reached an agreement with Manchester City for the signing of Riyad Mahrez. The deal, worth €35 million (£30.4 million, $39.2 million), also includes an additional €5 million in add-ons. Mahrez, 32, is scheduled to undergo a medical examination tomorrow before finalizing his move to the Saudi Arabian club. Upon completion, he will sign a three-year contract, with an option for a conditional fourth year.
The Algerian international was notably absent from Manchester City’s 25-man squad for their pre-season trip to Japan, indicating his imminent departure from the club. Reports from The Athletic earlier this week suggested that a deal was on the horizon, with Manchester City acknowledging the possibility of losing Mahrez this summer. Consequently, they have been making preparations to find a suitable replacement winger in case the transfer was finalized.
Alongside their negotiations with Al Ahli for Mahrez, Manchester City have also been actively attempting to keep Bernardo Silva. Al Hilal, a Saudi Arabian club, has approached Silva with a potential deal. While Manchester City desires to retain both Mahrez and Silva, they understand that the Algerian winger is open to the move.
However, the treble-winning club is determined not to lose both players and has made it a priority to hold onto Bernardo Silva. To emphasize his importance to the team’s plans for the upcoming season, Manchester City has set a benchmark based on Declan Rice’s recent transfer to Arsenal. Rice’s move commanded a fee of £100 million plus £5 million in add-ons, which Manchester City has highlighted to Silva.
Although they hope to keep Silva, Manchester City recognizes the necessity of finding a suitable replacement for Mahrez. Al Ahli, on the other hand, has been active in the transfer market and has already secured the services of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy from Chelsea and Roberto Firmino on a free transfer from Liverpool.
While the deal for Mahrez represents a significant loss for Manchester City, it also provides an opportunity for them to continue strengthening their squad and maintaining their competitive edge for the upcoming season.