Mahrez at loggerheads with City as he eyes Saudi Arabia move

Riyad Mahrez is reportedly at loggerheads with Manchester City because he wants to leave the team and contemplate moving to Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Arabian investment fund PIF and the Algerian international have already struck an agreement about a probable transfer to the Saudi Pro League, claims Sports Zone. The contract calls for a yearly compensation of about €25 million.

Mahrez’s departure, however, is contingent on Manchester City’s willingness to let him go because he has a contract with the team through June 2025.

Despite his desire to make the switch, Mahrez maintains a strong relationship with Manchester City and does not intend to force the move. Instead, he hopes that the club will facilitate his departure as he had been a key player in City’s record-breaking season which saw them lift the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in the 2022-23 campaign.

However, his potential departure comes at a time when Manchester City are also dealing with the possibility of losing Bernardo Silva, and Pep Guardiola is not happy with the idea of losing both his star wingers in the same window.

Mahrez’s potential destination in Saudi Arabia could be Al-Ahli and Foot Mercato had previously reported that the player has been offered a two-year contract with a staggering £43 million in wages plus bonuses. The Saudi Arabian side has already made some high-profile signings this summer such as Edouard Mendy and Roberto Firmino.