Mahrez officially leaves City, joins Saudi club Al Ahli

• Riyad Mahrez has officially completed his transfer from Premier League giants Manchester City to Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli
• The 32-year-old talented winger had been given permission to miss Manchester City’s pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea so as to finalize his transfer

Riyad Mahrez has officially completed his transfer from Premier League giants Manchester City to Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli.

The Algerian winger, who had two years left in his contract with Manchester City, is the latest big name to move to Saudi Arabia this summer. Other top players who have followed Cristiano Ronaldo to the gulf country this summer are Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Neves, Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson.

Riyad Mahrez has officially left Manchester City. Photo/ Manchester City.

According to reports, Riyad Mahrez has joined Al Ahli on a deal worth up to 30 million euros. The 32-year-old talented winger had been given permission to miss Manchester City’s pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea so as to finalize his transfer.

Speaking after securing the transfer, Mahrez said it had been an honour to play for Manchester City.

“To play for Manchester City has been an honour and privilege. I came to City to win trophies and enjoy my football. I achieved all that and so much more. I’ve made a lifetime of wonderful memories. Manchester City will forever be a huge and happy part of my life.” BBC Sports quotes Riyad Mahrez. 

Some of the top players Mahrez will play with at Al Ahli are Roberto Firmino,Edouard Mendy and Ezgjan Alioski.

Riyad Mahrez began his football journey in his country of birth, France, playing for the youth team of AAS Sarcelles. He then joined Quimper where he started his professional career. After a season, he moved to Le Havre where he spent three seasons before moving to England in 2014.

On 11 January 2014, Riyad Mahrez joined Leicester City on a three-and-a-half-year deal. He helped the club receive promotion to the Premier League in his debut season. He was also part of the squad that won the 2015-16 Premier League title.

While at Leicester City, Mahrez caught the attention of Manchester City, who signed him for 60 million euros on 10 July 2018. He was at the time the most expensive signing City had made in history.

Mahrez proved to be worth the amount paid for his transfer as he won 10 major honours during his time with the Cytizens. He was part of the squad that won the treble last season although he was an unused substitute for both FA Cup and Champions League finals.

Riyad Mahrez won 10 major trophies with Manchester City. Photo/ Not The Old Firm.

Txiki Begiristain, Manchester City’s director of football, said Mahrez’s contribution to the club in the last five years will not be forgotten.

“Riyad has been a major factor in our amazing successes over the past five years and his contribution will not be forgotten. He is a wonderful footballer to watch and leaves us with so many great memories.” Txiki Begiristain said, as per BBC Sports.