Al Ahli have confirmed the signing of Edouard Mendy from Chelsea as they officially unveiled the player today, June 28, 2023.
In a video shared on the club’s social media page, Edouard Mendy donned the shirt of the Saudi club as he confirmed his signing by the club from Chelsea.
Also featured in the few-seconds video are quick transitions showing the exploits of the former Chelsea star.
Edouard Mendy is joining the Saudi club on a three year contract till 2026 and will hope to return to regular football with the club next season.
He is among Chelsea first team players that have left the club this summer to Saudi Arabia, including other exits to other Premier League clubs.
N’Golo Kante and France international led the exodus of Chelsea players to Saudi Arabia after he became the first player to move to the Arab country, joining Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad.
Senegal international Kalidou Koulibaly has also completed his switch to Saudi Arabia, joining Al Hilal also on a three-year contract.
Another Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech is also set to join another top Saudi club Al Nassr on a three-year contract.
Edouard Mendy’s Chelsea exit became inevitable following his contract renewal impasse with the club and his struggles to regain his starting berth after falling off the pecking order.
Mendy’s Chelsea fortunes took a drastic downturn after he suffered a finger injury in training and was ruled out of the squad for months.
Following the injury, Mendy lost his starting berth to understudy goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Mendy struggled for a place in the squad following his return from injury and was relegated to the bench.
Despite his dwindling fortunes at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea were reportedly interested in keeping Mendy. They had tabled a contract renewal offers for the player but faced an impasse on wage offer.
Edouard Mendy was among the least paid Chelsea players, earning £80,000 weekly at the club far below Kepa Arrizabalaga’s £190,000 weekly wage.
The Senegal international demanded an increased wage offer in his new contract offer but his demand was turned down by the club.
He had two years remaining in his five year contract and was certainly set to leave following the contract renewal deadlock and his recent struggles for game time after returning from injury.
Edouard Mendy Chelsea stats
Edouard Mendy joined Chelsea in 2020 from French Ligue 1 side Rennes, signing a five-year contract with the club.
He played 105 games for the club in all competitions, keeping 49 clean sheets.
Mendy kept 31 clean sheets in 75 Premier League appearances. He won the Champions League with the club in his second season and was named Uefa’s goalkeeper of the season and Best Fifa men’s keeper for 2021.
In the 2022/23 season, Mendy managed just 10 starts for Chelsea and was used as second-choice goalkeeper behind Kepa Arrizabalaga.
He won the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea and also reached the FA and EFL Cup finals with the club.
Edouard Mendy Al Ahli contract, Salary, and transfer fee
Edouard Mendy is joining Al Ahli on a three-year contract till 2026. His transfer fee is still not settled but Fabrizio Romano reports it is between the range of £16m to £17m.
His estimated salary at the club is $12m every year plus $3m add-ons.
