OFFICIAL: Mahrez leaves Man City for Al Ahli

Leila Mermelstein 10 months ago 33.9k
Riyad Mahrez leaves Man City for Al Ahli. BeSoccer

Al Ahli have confirmed the arrival of Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez, who according to journalist Fabrizio Romano has signed on a four-year deal in Saudi Arabia. He is the latest to leave Europe's top leagues to join the big-spending Saudi Pro-League.

It's official. Riyad Mahrez has left treble-winning Manchester City for Saudi Pro-League side Al Ahli. The Algerian winger spent five years with the Cityzens after signing in 2018 from Leicester.

“To play for Manchester City has been an honour and privilege,” said Mahrez. “I came to City to win trophies and enjoy my football and I achieved all that and so much more... Manchester City will forever be a huge and happy part of my life.” 

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 32-year-old has signed on a four-year contract, in a transfer worth £30 million. Al Ahli also released a video welcoming the winger, who became a crowd favourite with Sky Blue fans in his time at the Etihad.

The Sky Blues winger made 47 official appearances last season, 36 of them as a starter, bagging 15 goals and providing 13 assists.

City's Director of Football Txiki Begiristain said he was a "major factor" in the club's successes, and was "a wonderful footballer to watch and leaves us with so many great memories".

Mentioned in the news story

Premier League
Pro League
Al-Ahli SFC
Manchester City
R. Mahrez