The Athletic: Riyad Mahrez is set to join Al Ahli in a deal worth €35m. According to TA reporter Ornstein, Al Ahli has agreed a deal to sign Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City in a deal worth €35million with €5m in add-ons.
Mahrez, 32, is set to undergo a medical tomorrow ahead of his proposed move to the Saudi Pro League side. The Algeria international will sign a three-year contract with a conditional fourth.
The Athletic reported earlier this week that the deal was moving closer, with the Etihad Stadium club aware of the possibility of losing Mahrez this summer. They have been drawing up plans to replace him with a new winger in case a move transpired.
At the same time, City has also doubled down on attempts to keep Bernardo Silva, who has also been approached by Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal.
City would like to keep both Mahrez and Bernardo but realize that the Algerian winger is open to the move away.
What the treble winners do not want to do is lose both players, and they are intent on keeping Bernardo.
Having seen Declan Rice move to Arsenal for £100m plus £5m in add-ons, City have used that fee as a benchmark for Bernardo, and have made it clear to the player just how important he is to their plans for next season.
By losing Mahrez, though, they appreciate the need to bring in a new face to replace him.
David Ornstein:
Al Ahli has reached a total agreement with Manchester City to sign Riyad Mahrez in a deal worth €30m + €5m add-ons. 32yo Algeria int’l set to have medical on Thurs before signing 3yr contract + conditional 4th.
