Riyad Mahrez latest talent to be lured to Saudi Pro League with Al-Ahli agreeing £30 million move

Saudi football club Al-Ahli agreed Thursday a £30 million deal for the signing of Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez, according to reports.

The 32-year-old has been given permission to miss Man City’s pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea to finalise the deal with the Saudi Pro League outfit.

The Algerian international is due to have a medical this week, ahead of signing a three-year deal with the Jeddah club.

Mahrez has been a major player for Pep Guardiola’s history-making Man City since making a £60 million switch from Leicester City in 2018. During his time at City, he contributed 78 goals to a side that won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three Carabao Cups, and the Champions League.

Mahrez will join old Liverpool rival Roberto Firmino at Al-Ahli, as well as ex-Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy, both of whom were also signed this summer.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United’s Allan Saint-Maximin could be joining Mahrez, Firmino and Mendy at Al-Ahli, with the Public Investment Fund-owned club submitting an offer of £25 million for the French winger, according to L’Équipe. Saint-Maximin has allegedly been offered an eye-watering £10 million per-year contract by the club nicknamed The Royal.

This comes as Al-Ettifaq, now managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, have agreed a £12 million deal for Liverpool club captain and England international midfielder Jordan Henderson.

These recent signings and attempted signings demonstrate the growing lure of the Saudi Pro League to a wide array of talent in Europe and around the world.