Guardiola: Saudi Arabia has succeeded in changing the transfer market
Pep Guardiola
Posted on: July 29, 2023: 06:16 PM GST Last updated: July 29, 2023: 06:20 PM GST
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola revealed on Saturday that Saudi Arabia has changed the shape of the transfer market as part of its endeavor to “establish a strong league” after the transfer of Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez from the English champions to Al-Ahly of Saudi Arabia.
Mahrez, who scored 78 goals and assisted 59 in his trophy-laden spell with City, joined the Jeddah side on Friday.
Media estimated the deal at 35 million euros ($38.55 million) plus five million bonuses.
And Guardiola answered when asked if he wanted Mahrez to stay with City: Absolutely. I enjoyed working with him. And our relationship was exceptional.
He added: Saudi Arabia has changed the shape of the transfer market. A few months ago it was only Cristiano (Ronaldo) who moved, and now that many top players have gone to Saudi Arabia.
“I think more players will move in the future, and that’s what clubs have to realize.”
The Saudi League has become attractive to many players since Ronaldo moved to Al-Nasr in January, as Karim Benzema, the Golden Ball winner, joined Al-Ittihad, the league champion, and Jordan Henderson, captain of Liverpool, to the agreement.
Guardiola said: (Saudi Arabia) wants to establish a strong league championship, and it succeeded in that.
He continued: The players want to go through this experience to play in this league, and they are able to do so.
City begins the new season by facing Arsenal for the Community Shield on August 6.
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2023-07-29 14:16:00
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