Adding to the roster of prominent signings in the Gulf state, Al-Ahli has confirmed the acquisition of Manchester City’s forward, Riyad Mahrez, on Friday. The announcement solidifies the league’s reputation for attracting top-tier talent as it flex its financial muscle.
Pep Guardiola’s team secured the services of the 32-year-old Algerian winger from Leicester in 2018, a move that proved to be fruitful as he went on to win an impressive 11 major trophies during his tenure with Manchester City.
‘The wait is over: Riyad is real,’ the Saudi Pro League club said in a social media post.
Last week, Manchester City reached an agreement with Al-Ahli, settling on a fee reported to be worth up to £30 million ($38.6 million).
‘To play for Manchester City has been an honour and privilege,’ Mahrez told City’s website.
‘I came to City to win trophies and enjoy my football and I achieved all that and so much more.’
‘I have had five unforgettable years with this football club, working with unbelievable players, fantastic supporters, and the best manager in the world.’
Txiki Begiristain, City’s director of football, offered warm words of praise for the Algeria star in a touching tribute.
‘There are few wingers that possess his levels of skill and technique in world football, and he will be missed, but everyone will wish him all the best as he begins a new chapter in his career,’ he said.
Ina another development, a joint statement on Thursday, Liverpool and Al-Ettifaq made it official that Reds’ captain Jordan Henderson would be joining the Saudi league.
In a similar fashion to his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, France striker Karim Benzema left the Spanish club to embark on a new chapter with Al-Ittihad.
Among the Premier League players who have made the move to Saudi Arabia are Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante and Roberto Firmino, another former teammate of Henderson’s during his time at Liverpool.
The generous financial outlays by Saudi Arabia in the world of sports are commonly condemned by critics as ‘sportswashing,’ as it is perceived as a deliberate tactic to divert public attention from its human rights track record.