Saudi Pro League giants, Al-Ahli, have submitted an official contract bid to sign Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City.
The Saudi giant have joined other Saudi clubs attempting to poach big-name stars from the Premier League and other top leagues in Europe into the Saudi elite division.
France international and former Chelsea star, N’Golo Kante has completed a move away from the Premier League to Al-Ittihad.
N’Golo Kante faced a contract renewal impasse with Chelsea before opting for an exit after running out his contract with the club this summer.
Due to a niggling injury crisis and the age factor, Chelsea opted for a short term deal for N’Golo Kante but the France midfielder wanted a longer contract duration before agreeing a new deal with the club. As the contract renewal deadlock lingered, N’Golo Kante chose to pit his tent with Al-Ittihad next season.
Another high-profile European player that has switched to the Saudi Pro League is Karim Benzema. After a legendary career with Real Madrid, Benzema has joined Al-Ittihad – a move that has further added lustre to the Saudi Pro League.
Now, Riyad Mahrez may likely be the next high-profile player that may be plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League next season with Al-Ahli at the door of Manchester City to sign the player.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Al-Ahli have tabled an official undisclosed contract bid to sign Riyad Mahrez this summer from Manchester City.
The report adds Manchester City are ready to part ways with Riyad Mahrez but will do so at a desirable fee.
Riyad Mahrez’s projected Manchester City exit is coming a bit more of a surprise as his availability in the transfer market could not be ascertained.
Riyad Mahrez is not struggling for game time at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. In the just-concluded 2022/23 season, he has made 2 EFL Cup appearances with 2 goals, 9 Champions League appearances with 3 goals, and 30 Premier League appearances with 5 goals and 10 assists.
However, the Algerian is not an indispensable first choice for Pep Guardiola with a star-studded City squad. He has started some games from the bench.
Mahrez still has two years remaining in his Manchester City contract but is reportedly open to a summer exit should Manchester City bag the right offer for him.
Al-Ahli rivals, Al-Ittihad, were also reported to be in the race to sign Riyad Mahrez but Fabrizo Romano has confirmed the reigning Saudi Pro League champions are not in the race.
Meanwhile, Al-Ahli are still negotiating with Riyad Mahrez’s representatives for a deal. Manchester City are expected to name their price and enter into talks in the coming days.
Riyad Mahrez joined Manchester City from Leicester City in 2018 and has won the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, and the Champions League with the club.
