Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez is set to end his illustrious Premier League tenure and embark on a new journey with Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli. The Saudi outfit has agreed on a £30m deal with Manchester City, marking the end of Mahrez's five-year stint at the Etihad Stadium.
The Algerian international, who has been a key figure in Manchester City's success, has been given permission not to travel with the team on their pre-season trip to Japan and South Korea. This decision was made in anticipation of the bid from Al Ahli, which matched City's valuation of the player.
Mahrez's departure from Manchester City is a significant moment, marking the end of a fairytale Premier League tenure. The 32-year-old winger arrived in England in 2014, joining Leicester City from French side Le Havre. He quickly made his mark, playing a crucial role in Leicester's miraculous Premier League title win in 2016, a feat that earned him the PFA Players' Player of the Year award.
In 2018, Mahrez moved to Manchester City for a hefty £60m fee. During his time at the Etihad, he contributed significantly to the team's success, helping them secure ten major trophies in just five seasons. His performances last season were particularly noteworthy, with the Algerian featuring in 47 games and playing a crucial role in City's historic treble-winning season.
However, despite his contributions, Mahrez found himself on the bench for both the FA Cup and Champions League finals. This, coupled with the arrival of a bid that matched City's valuation, paved the way for his exit.
At Al Ahli, Mahrez will join a growing list of high-profile recruits, including Eduard Mendy and Roberto Firmino. The Saudi club, backed by the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF), is part of a broader effort to elevate the Saudi Pro League into one of the top five leagues in the world.
While Mahrez's departure is a significant loss for Manchester City, it also marks the end of an era for the player himself. His journey from an unheralded arrival from France to becoming a key figure in one of the most successful teams in English football history is a testament to his talent and determination. As he embarks on this new chapter in Saudi Arabia, fans will undoubtedly be watching to see what the next stage of his career holds.
