Algeria and Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez has reportedly turned down an offer to ply his trade in Saudi Arabia.
This follows a number of top European players who have since completed their moves to the Gulf region.
Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema, ex-Chelsea star midfielder N’Golo Kante have left to join Al Ittihad, and the latest is that Inter Milan might lose Romelu Lukaku to a Saudi club.
However, information from England indicates that Mahrez has turned down advances made by Ittihad.
The Mirror reports that the Citizens star said he does not want to move to the Saudi Pro League this summer.
Various Saudi clubs have recently shown a willingness to part ways with large amounts of cash on a wide range of players, some the most notable names in world football and others in the latter stages of their careers.
As things stand, Kante and Benzema have joined former Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo in the big-paying league.
Over the weekend, though, it emerged that Mahrez could become the next target at a time when the playmaker may find himself at somewhat of a career crossroads.
The 32-year-old has been key for manager Pep Guardiola’s side and played a key role in City winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League treble, where he contributed 15 goals and 13 assists from 47 appearances.
@Expats said:
”He is still young why to end his career that soon? Pep destroyed his talent.”
@Macy Macy reacted:
“Tell Saudi to rest they’re not thieves what are they signing all European players for? To take them to that Fraud league?”
@SK.Wenwa replied:
“Arsenal contacted PSG to inquire about Kylian Mbappe. PSG administration told them he is in good health and thanked Arsenal for thinking about his health.”
Meanwhile, want-away Paris St. Germain striker Kylian Mbappe has hit out at the club, saying he never indicated that he will leave for Madrid.
Mbappe said he didn’t ask to leave PSG or to join Real Madrid but he made it clear to the club that he won’t activate the option to extend his current contract until June 2025 – he is quoted by Gazzetta dello Sport.
Main Image: Riyad Mahrez/ManchesterEveningNews
