Out-of-favor Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez, has agreed personal terms with Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia.
The Algeria international and former Leicester midfielder is reportedly keen on leaving Manchester City this summer after his recent misfortunes under Pep Guardiola.
After joining the club from Leicester City, Riyad Mahrez got off with a slow start making 27 Premier League appearances and 6 Champions League appearances for Man City.
Since his debut season with the club, Mahrez has seen his rating under Pep Guardiola soar except last season when he stumbled to his least Champions League appearances since 2019/20 season. The deadly winger made only 9 Champions League appearances for the club out of 13 matches and was benched in the final against Inter Milan.
With two years remaining in his £200,000 weekly contract, it is understood the 32-year-old is now eyeing a move away from Etihad after he fell off Pep Guardiola’s pecking order.
Reports from Saudi outlet reveal Riyad Mahrez has agreed terms with Al Ahli who are looking to add the Algerian to their midfield options ahead of the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League season.
Arriyadiyah, a Saudi outlet, reports Mahrez has reached full agreement with Al Ahli on personal terms and is ready to push through his Etihad exit.
The report adds a two-year contract has been offered to the player with an estimated annual salary of £43million. It is understood Al Ahli will now hold talks with Manchester City to see through a deal for Riyad Mahrez.
Futballnews understands Riyad Mahrez has two years remaining is his five-year Manchester City contract. The Premier League and European champions must give a nod before the move will happen.
Since joining the club from Leicester City, Riyad Mahrez has scored 78 goals in 238 appearances in all competitions.
After his dwindling career fortunes at Etihad, the Algerian will be hoping to seal a breakthrough move to the Saudi club and possibly revive his career.
Al Ahli are reportedly ready to table a £30million first offer for Mahrez before considering a second offer if the first offer is rejected.
Riyad Mahrez made 30 Premier League appearances for Manchester City last season but mostly came off the bench.
Mahrez facing stiff competition from, Grealish, Foden, and Silva
Mahrez is facing stiff competiton with two of England’s best attacking midfielders, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden, including Bernardo Silva.
After a difficult stint with City, Jack Grealish has up his game and is back to top level performance.
The England winger is now reaping the fruits of his hard work – becoming Pep Guardiola’s choice midfielder on the wings.
He has played all Manchester City 13 Champions League games last season, including a starting place in the final against Inter Milan.
Phil Foden is also not faring well just like Riyad Mahrez. The England star has 8 Champions League appearances for Manchester City but has played more Premier League matches (32) than Riyad Mahrez.
With Grealish and Bernardo Silva in top shape for Manchester City, it is pretty evident Riyad Mahrez will struggle for a place in the team’s lineup.
While he raked in optimal Premier League appearance tally for the club last season, his desire for a place in the starting lineup in top games like the Champions League cannot be denied hence the push to exit the club and find greener pastures elsewhere.
Riyad Mahrez will be the second top Premier League player to join Al Ahli after former Chelsea Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy completed a move to the club this summer.
