Saudi side, Al-Ahli SC, are interested in bringing Algerian forward Riyad Mahrez to ply his trade next in the Saudi Professional League, omasports.com report. [via @FabrizioRomano]
Mahrez, who joined Manchester City in 2018 on a five-year contract, has two years left on his contract after making an extension in July last year, and the club is reportedly not willing to allow him to leave for free.
Al-Ahly SC are rumored to be willing to offer the Manchester City star a deal worth around £36 million per year.
Mahrez has seen his appearances limited under Guardiola this season and could be the next football star to move to the Saudi Pro League this summer after Karim Benzema left Real Madrid this week to join Al-Ittihad, while Frenchman N’golo Kante’s transfer will be confirmed soon.
The Algerian has scored 15 goals in 47 appearances this season in all competitions for Manchester City – who are aiming to complete a treble with a win over Inter Milan in the Champions League final – after winning the league title and domestic cup.
Al-Ahli SC are one of the four clubs alongside Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr backed by the country’s Public Investment Fund controlled by the Saudi Arabian Government.
The club president traveled to London on Tuesday to make the first contacts with Mahrez’s representatives.
Al-Ahli SC gained promotion to the Saudi top flight at the end of last season after winning the country’s second-tier football league.