Transfers

Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli sign Mahrez from Man City

Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez has joined Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli from Manchester City on a deal until 2027, both clubs said on Friday.

Financial details were not revealed, but British media reported the Premier League champions have accepted an offer from the Saudi side worth 35 million euros ($38.53 million) plus five million in add-ons.

“To play for Manchester City has been an honour and privilege,” Mahrez said in a statement. “I came to City to win trophies and enjoy my football and I achieved all that and so much more.

“I have had five unforgettable years with this football club, working with unbelievable players, fantastic supporters, and the best manager in the world…

“Manchester City will forever be a huge and happy part of my life.”

Mahrez scored 78 goals and made 59 assists in 236 appearances in all competitions with City, and won 11 trophies at the club, including five league titles following his move from Leicester City in 2018.

The 32-year-old saw his role for Pep Guardiola’s side reduced last season, scoring 15 goals in 47 games, but missing out on action in the FA Cup and Champions League finals as City won their historic treble.

Last year he had renewed his contract until 2025.

Mahrez will team up with Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy who joined the Saudi club from Chelsea last month.

City could also part with another midfielder as Portuguese international Bernardo Silva has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal, according to British media reports.

The Saudi Pro league has become an attractive destination for Europe-based players since Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Al Nassr in January.

($1 = 0.9084 euros)

Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City, additional reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare Editing by Christian Radnedge

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Transfers

Galatasaray, Napoli Agree Osimhen Transfer

Italian Serie A side Napoli have reached an agreement with Galatasaray for the transfer of Nigeria international forward Victor Osimhen for a fee in the region of €75m, according to OwnGoalNigeria.com.

Both clubs have been locked in negotiations for the past two days after the Nigerian picked the team as his preferred destination ahead of Saudi Arabia side Al-Hilal. The talks went on yesterday without a resolution.

Napoli insisted on getting a bank guarantee for the payment of the transfer fee after agreeing for it to be paid in installments. The Turkish side will pay €40m in cash with the balance of €35m to be paid in installments for the next three years.

Galatasaray agreed to provide Napoli with a bank guarantee letter and if it sits well with the Italian side after a review, Osimhen will be allowed to travel to Istanbul for his medical and subsequent unveiling on a permanent deal.

After a successful time on loan last season, he will be expected to help the club retain the league and cup they won last season, and also do well in Europe after the disappointment in the Europa League last season.

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Transfers

Transfer: Theo Hernandez Joins Al-Hilal From AC Milan

Deal worth some 25 million euros

France left-back Theo Hernandez has moved to former Lazio and Inter coach Simone Inzaghi’s Saudi club Al-Hilal from AC Milan, where the 27-year-old spent six mostly successful years.

Theo, as he is known, was a runner-up to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup.

He made no secret of the fact that he had fallen out with AC’s new management set-up.
The deal is worth around 25 million euros.

Ansa.it

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Transfers

WSL: Chelsea Forward Fishel Signs For Seattle Reign

Seattle Reign have signed Chelsea and United States forward Mia Fishel on a contract until 2029.

An undisclosed transfer fee will be paid to the Women’s Super League (WSL) champions who Fishel, 24, appeared for 21 times.

After signing from Mexican club Tigres for the start of the 2023-24 season, Fishel scored the winning goal against Tottenham on her WSL debut before an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury cut her campaign short.

The two-time WSL winner returned in March to make three appearances.

“I’m incredibly excited to sign a long-term contract in the NWSL and take this next step in my career with Seattle Reign FC,” said Fishel.

“This league is one of the best in the world, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity. I can’t wait to get started and contribute to the team’s success.”

America’s National Women’s Soccer League is currently on a midseason break but Seattle Reign return to action against Angel City on 1 August.

Bbc.com

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