Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City has indicated that he does not want to move to the Saudi Pro League this summer.
Clubs in that league have recently demonstrated a willingness to spend large sums of money on a diverse variety of players, some of whom are household names in world football and others who are nearing the end of their careers.
As of now, Karim Benzema is the only player to have confirmed a move to the Middle East, joining Al-Ittihad, but other great names, like as Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante, could soon follow.
Over the weekend, though, it emerged that Mahrez may be the next target at a time when the playmaker may be at a career crossroads.
The 32-year-old has just helped City win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League treble, with 15 goals and 13 assists in 47 matches.
Despite his significance, Mahrez was an unused replacement in both the FA Cup and Champions League finals over the previous two weekends.
With two years remaining on his contract, negotiations about his future are likely, but he does not appear to be eager to relocate to Saudi Arabia.
Manchester City winger rejects offer from Saudi
According to Football Insider, Mahrez has turned down a £120 million contract with Al-Ahli.
According to the report, the Algeria international was given the opportunity to earn that money over a three-year contract with the newly promoted team.
Despite the refusal, it is claimed that Al-Ahli is willing to return with an improved offer in order to strengthen their roster ahead of the 2023-24 season.
Unlike in many other occasions where players have left or may leave for free transfers to Saudi Arabia, Al-Ahli would have to pay a fee to City on this occasion.
Pep Guardiola is also unlikely to sanction Mahrez’s departure unless he has identified or recruited a substitute to take his place in the squad.
In his five years at the Etihad Stadium, Mahrez has seldom been absent, appearing in 169 starts and 67 substitute appearances in all competitions.
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