Man City star Riyad Mahrez ‘is wanted by Saudi club Al-Ahli’ – but they must stump up a fee with Premier League champions adamant ‘Algerian star will not leave for free’
Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli reportedly hold a concrete interest in signing Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez, but are yet to make an official approach to the Premier League champions.
Mahrez has become the latest big-name star to have been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League.
The 32-year-old has played a key role for Man City in their push for the Treble this season, scoring 15 goals and providing 13 assists in 47 matches.
City have already secured the Premier League and FA Cup, with Pep Guardiola‘s side hoping to complete the Treble when they face Inter Milan in the Champions League final on Saturday.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Al-Ahli have a confirmed interest in signing Mahrez, but have yet to make an official approach for the Algerian international.
Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli reportedly hold a concrete interest in signing Riyad Mahrez
Man City will reportedly demand a fee for the star who has played a key role in their success
Manchester City will reportedly demand a fee to part with the winger, with ‘no chance’ of allowing him to leave on a free.
Mahrez has two years remaining on his deal, which expires in 2025.
Saudi Arabian clubs have largely targeted free agents as part of their recruitment drive, which started with Cristiano Ronaldo signing for Al-Nassr on a reported £175million-a-year contract.
Karim Benzema this week completed a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad after leaving Real Madrid, agreeing a two-year deal with the Jeddah-based club worth around £345m.
Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante is expected to join Benzema at the club on a deal worth around £86million a year.
Kante is out of contract at Stamford Bridge, with negotiations having stalled over an extension.
Al-Ahli were one of four clubs to be taken over by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund this week, along with Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.
It was claimed the move will ‘unleash various commercial opportunities, including investment, partnership and sponsorships across numerous sports.’
Mahrez has been a huge success at Man City, with the winger scoring 78 goals in 236 appearances for the club.
He has won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and three League Cups since joining the club from Leicester, where he was instrumental in their shock Premier League title win.
