Riyad Mahrez has officially completed his transfer to Al Ahli from Manchester City for a reported fee of £30 million. After an impressive five-year stint at the Etihad Stadium, the Algerian international winger has embarked on a new chapter in his career.
Mahrez was granted permission to skip City’s pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea, giving him the opportunity to finalize the details of his transfer to Al Ahli.
The 32-year-old Mahrez has now put pen to paper on a three-year contract with the Saudi Pro League side, marking an exciting new phase in his professional journey.
During his time at Manchester City, Mahrez showcased his immense talent, contributing significantly to the club’s successes. He managed to secure four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three Carabao Cups, and notably, the prestigious Champions League title with the team.
Mahrez initially joined City back in 2018, arriving from Leicester City for a then club-record transfer fee of £60 million. His performances during Leicester’s triumphant Premier League campaign in the 2015/16 season played a pivotal role in attracting the attention of the Manchester club.
Reflecting on his time at Manchester City, Mahrez expressed his gratitude, stating, “Dear Cityzens, Today marks the end of an unforgettable chapter in my life, a five-year journey filled with countless memories.
Before leaving, I wanted to thank the board, the manager, and the staff for giving me the chance to prove myself at the highest level.”
Mahrez continued, “To my teammates, both past and present. Sharing the pitch and the dressing room with you has been a pleasure. Together, we’ve broken countless records, achieved what seemed impossible, and never stopped believing in ourselves during the challenging times we faced. Our last season will forever be remembered in our Club and beyond, and I’m proud to have been a part of it.”
“Finally, I wanted to thank you, Cityzens. Thank you for making me feel like a part of your family from day one, and giving me the confidence every time I stepped onto the pitch wearing this shirt. I’ll be forever grateful for your support and your love. Today I leave but I will never forget any of you. I wish the very best for the Club in the future until we meet again. Thank you for everything,” Mahrez concluded.
As he looks ahead to the future, Mahrez is undoubtedly eager to make a lasting impact at Al Ahli, starting a new phase in his illustrious career. With his talent and experience, he is set to continue leaving a mark on the football world, and fans eagerly await his contributions to his new team.
