Fans express disappointment after Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez move to Saudi Pro League

The Algerian is set to play in Saudi Arabia after winning treble with Manchester City.

Riyad Mahrez off to Al Ahli. (credits- Fennec sports)

Riyad Mahrez is the latest star moving to Saudi Arabia. The footballing world has seen a mass exodus of European players leaving clubs to play in Saudi, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema being the two biggest names leading the news. Mahrez becomes another prominent player to move to Saudi after Manchester City and Al Ahli are finalizing his move.

The Jeddah-based club has agreed to a €35 million transfer fee plus €5m in add-ons with Manchester City. The Algerian had been left out of the Cityzens’ preseason tour to Japan as he already was finalizing his personal terms with the Saudi Club. The 32-year-old will have his medical with the club shortly.

Despite having a massively successful season with them clinching the treble, City is set to lose important players. They already have bid farewell to club captain Ilkay Gundogan, with Mahrez set to be the next veteran to leave. The club can also lose another prominent winger Bernardo Silva as he attracts interest from Barcelona and Saudi Arabia.

Al Ahli are close to complete agreement with Manchester City for Riyad Mahrez — as €35m package is verbally ready to be agreed. 🚨🔵🇸🇦 #AlAhli

It could be done in the next 24h, as called by @David_Ornstein @Santi_J_FM.

Personal terms agreed last week on 3 year deal. pic.twitter.com/lgUOt44Qkt
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 19, 2023

Mahrez is set to join ex-premier league stars Edouard Mendy and Roberto Firmino at Al Ahli. Mahrez is set to receive a $111,7000-a-week salary at Al Ahli. Fans were saddened by Mahrez quitting the premier league for the riches of Saudi Arabia.

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Here’s how Twitter reacted to Riyad Mahrez’s move to Al Ahli

Many fans were saddened as a cult hero was leaving the premier league. Fans also were quick to comment on players prioritizing earning money over playing at top leagues. Although some users were seeing the lighter side of things and were posting jokes online.

Many fans are worried about City’s depth for the next season, as they have lost important veterans. Some users are happy as they expect more competition to City in the next season. Here are some of the fan reactions from Twitter:

Saudi Arabia when they see any 30 year old+ Muslim players pic.twitter.com/E6N1VGHeTa
— SIR CHUCHO🎖️ (@ChuchoMaine) July 19, 2023

Money won , football lost
— ACE (fan) (@FCB_ACEE) July 19, 2023

Someone will say it is Ronaldo’s effect.
— Toyor (@toyor_pr) July 19, 2023

City is losing massive squad depth man. Gündogan and Mahrez gone. And also Walker who is likely to go to Bayern.
— MagicalModric 🇳🇱 (@MagicalModric00) July 19, 2023

Manchester City have lost so many world class players this summer but that won't stop them from winning the League Again
— Ronn  (@FCB_Ronn) July 19, 2023

This fella has been one of the tormentors-in-chief of Arsenal. Over the past 5 SEASONS, dude has been a menace to our Left backs and LCBs with his dazzling runs. I am glad that he is leaving as that's one less anguish to worry about going into the new season.Great player!!
— Oluseyi (@olushayhe) July 19, 2023

Mahrez had established himself as an iconic player of the Premiership. The 32-year-old burst to stardom as the winger who helped Leicester City achieve a fairytale title. He cemented his legacy by winning the treble with Manchester City. Mahrez leaves England with glittering achievements as he sets off for a Saudi Arabian adventure.

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#About the Author

Anshul Singh

(239 Articles Published)

Anshul Singh is a Football writer and editor at FirstSportz. Currently pursuing Masters in Convergent Journalism from Jamia Millia Islamia and having earlier graduated from Delhi University with a first-division with distinction, he loves to cover Football, Tennis, F1, and Cricket. Having been a part of the Sports Media Industry for over 3 years now, Anshul has authored over 2000 articles for FirstSportz, Sportskeeda, EssentiallySports, Sports Bash, and DU Express. Anshul has been actively following Football for the last 8 years ever since Real Madrid accomplished La Decima. Apart from learning and growing at FirstSportz, Anshul had earlier served as a Content Manager and editor at SportsKeeda, and as an editor at EssentiallySports and DU Express. Keeping sports aside, Anshul passionately follows any news regarding National and International Politics and is an active member of the Delhi MUN circuit, having chaired more than 30 conferences across India. He even covers South Asian news stories for the International Magazine. If not found working, he is most likely tweeting about Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, or Roger Federer.

Fans express disappointment after Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez move to Saudi Pro League

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Riyad Mahrez’s move to Al Ahli

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