Algerian legend Riyad Mahrez joins Al-Ahli Saudi FC in a shocking transfer

 

Riyad Mahrez, the Algerian national team captain and one of the best wingers in the world, has completed a surprising move to Al-Ahli Saudi FC from Manchester City. The 32-year-old signed a three-year contract with the Saudi club, which reportedly paid a fee of $50 million to secure his services.

Mahrez, who was born in France to Algerian parents, started his professional career in 2009 with Quimper, a club in the seventh tier of French football. He then joined Le Havre in 2010, where he spent four years and scored 30 goals in 120 appearances. In 2014, he moved to England and joined Leicester City, where he helped the club achieve a historic Premier League title in 2016. He was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and the CAF African Footballer of the Year for his outstanding performances that season.

In 2018, Mahrez joined Manchester City for a club-record fee of $79 million. He won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups and one UEFA Champions League with the Citizens. He scored 43 goals and provided 35 assists in 145 appearances for the club. He also became the first African player to score 50 Premier League goals.

Mahrez is also a key player for the Algeria national team, which he has represented since 2014. He has earned 83 caps and scored 30 goals for his country, making him the fourth-highest scorer in Algeria’s history. He captained Algeria to their second Africa Cup of Nations title in 2019, scoring a stunning last-minute free-kick against Nigeria in the semi-final.

Mahrez’s decision to join Al-Ahli Saudi FC has shocked many fans and pundits, who expected him to stay at Manchester City or join another European giant. However, Mahrez said that he was attracted by the challenge and the ambition of the Saudi club, which has won three GCC Champions League titles and one Arab Club Championship. He also said that he wanted to experience a different culture and play in front of passionate fans.

Al-Ahli Saudi FC is one of the most successful clubs in Saudi Arabia, having won three Saudi Professional Leagues, 13 King’s Cups, six Crown Prince Cups, one General League Shield and one Super Cup. The club is based in Jeddah and plays its home games at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, which has a capacity of 62,345. The club is currently managed by Matthias Jaissle, a former German defender who previously coached RB Salzburg.

Mahrez will wear the number 7 shirt for Al-Ahli Saudi FC and will join his new teammates for pre-season training in August. He will make his debut for the club in the Saudi Professional League opener against Al Hazm on August 11. He will also play in the King Cup and the AFC Champions League for his new club.

Mahrez’s transfer to Al-Ahli Saudi FC is one of the biggest and most unexpected moves in football history. It will be interesting to see how he adapts to his new environment and how he performs for his new club. Mahrez is undoubtedly an Algerian legend and one of the best players of his generation. He will surely bring his quality, experience and leadership to Al-Ahli Saudi FC and help them achieve their goals.