After an impressive career in the English Premier League (EPL), Riyad Mahrez, 32, will be donning the colors of Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli.
Manchester City announced the news on its official website on April 28 (KST), saying, “Mahrez is joining Al Ahli. “He has been an integral part of the team for five years at the Etihad, scoring 78 goals and providing 59 assists in 236 appearances, winning 11 major trophies with City and leaving the club at the end of the 2022-23 season having won a treble,” the club said on its official website.
“메이저사이트The African Footballer of the Year and a player of great skill and technique, Mahrez became a fan favorite with his memorable goals, including free-kicks and volleys. He scored double-digit goals in all five of his seasons at City, with his 24 goals in 2021-22 a career-high, and was named Etihad Player of the Month seven times.”
Speaking to the club, Mahrez said: “It has been an honor and privilege to play for Man City. I came to City to win trophies and play football, and I achieved all of that. I spent five unforgettable years with the supporters and the best manager in the world. Man City will always be a very big and happy part of my life.”
After starting his professional career in the French league, Mahrez joined then second-tier Leicester City in January 2014 to challenge for a place in England. At the time, the transfer fee was just €500,000 (approximately $700,000).
Within half a year, Mahrez had scored three goals and provided five assists in 19 games, helping the club win promotion. In his first year in the top flight, he made a name for himself with four goals and three assists in 32 games.
His real career began in 2015. In the 2015-16 season, Mahrez scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists in 37 league games, leading Leicester to the EPL title alongside Jamie Vardy and N’Golo Kante. It was the first EPL title in the history of the club, which was founded in 1884. At the time, Mahrez quickly established himself as one of the top wingers in the EPL.
Mahrez shined in a Leicester City uniform, scoring 48 goals and providing 38 assists in 179 games. Following his breakout season in the EPL, the Foxes spent €67.8 million to acquire him.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 19: Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City celebrates after scoring their side’s second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Etihad Stadium on February 19, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at Etihad Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
It paid off. Mahrez’s offensive point production was outstanding while playing multiple competitions. His dribbling skills have remained consistent over time.
In five seasons in a City uniform, Mahrez won four EPL titles, two FA Cups, three Carabao Cups, two Community Shields, and one UEFA Champions League (UCL).
Meanwhile, Mahrez has signed a four-year contract with Al Ahli through 2027. The transfer is expected to cost around €30 million, according to reports in the UK. Al Ahli is the same club that signed Edouard Mendy and Roberto Firmino in the summer transfer window.