Riyad Mahrez completes £30million move from Manchester City to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli

Riyad Mahrez has signed for Al-Ahli (Photo: Al-Ahli)

Manchester City have confirmed the departure of Riyad Mahrez who has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.

After a few weeks of talks, City agreed to sell the winger to Al-Ahli for a fee of €35million (£30.4m) plus €5m in add-ons.

Mahrez, who was left out of the Citizens’ pre-season tour, has signed a four-year contract with his new club and becomes the latest Premier League star to depart for the riches of Saudi Arabia.

Jordan Henderson completed his controversial transfer to Al-Ettifaq on Thursday, while Mahrez will be joined at Al-Ahli by former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino and ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

And in their announcement video for the Algeria international, the club hinted that more transfers were on the way, with Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin heavily linked.

Both Newcastle and Al-Ahli are owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

‘To play for Manchester City has been an honour and privilege. I came to City to win trophies and enjoy my football and I achieved all that and so much more,’ Mahrez told City’s official website.

Mahrez won the treble with Man City last season (Photo: Getty)

‘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.’

The 32-year-old joined City from Leicester two years after playing a starring role in the Foxes’ remarkable Premier League title win, and would go onto score 78 goals and make 59 assists in 236 appearances.

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At the Etihad he won four league titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups and three League Cups, as well as the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with his country.

City are assessing options to replace him, with Crystal Palace star Michael Olise emerging as a target for Pep Guardiola.

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