In a stunning development on this year’s transfer market, the right-winger of the recent UEFA Champions League winners, Riyad Mahrez, has officially signed with Al-Ahli, the club based in Jeddah, as announced on Friday, July 28. This marks yet another high-profile acquisition for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as it continues to make waves in the current transfer market.
“The wait is over: Riyad is now with us,” declared the Saudi club on social media, while Manchester City expressed gratitude to their 32-year-old former player for his services. City and Al-Ahli reached an agreement for a transfer fee estimated at around £30 million (€35 million).
With the successful acquisition of Riyad Mahrez, the wealthy oil-rich nation further solidifies its presence in the transfer market, showcasing its growing determination to establish a prominent position in the sports world and use it as a tool for its soft power strategy. Facing criticism for human rights violations, Saudi Arabia seeks to enhance its global image through football, following in the footsteps of its neighboring countries, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Before this move, the native of Sarcelles (Val-d’Oise), renowned for his technical prowess, rose to prominence during Leicester City’s unexpected title-winning campaign in 2016 (scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists). He subsequently joined Manchester City in a deal worth nearly €70 million.
In the Saudi Arabian league, Mahrez will reunite with another player from that triumphant Leicester side: the French midfielder N’Golo Kanté, who will feature for Al-Ittihad in the upcoming season alongside another French football star, Karim Benzema, the Ballon d’Or winner of 2022.
In addition to the high-profile transfers finalized this summer, the Saudi monarchy has ambitious plans, considering candidacy for hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup and future Olympic Games. Notably, the predominantly desert country is set to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, the 2034 Asian Games, and even the 2029 Asian Winter Games, the latter decision raising concerns among some about its environmental impact, leaving the sports world surprised.