Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has left Chelsea to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli. The two clubs announced on Wednesday.
Al-Ahli, who are making their return to the top-flight Pro League next season. This is affter a year in the second division. It is said Mendy’s contract would run until 2026, without giving any financial details.
Edouard Mendy will miss Chelsea and their fans
Mendy joined Premier League Chelsea from Stade Rennais in 2020. The 31-year-old played a pivotal role as the London club won their second Champions League title. That was with a 1-0 win over Manchester City in the final in 2021.
Following the departure of Chelsea’s German manager Thomas Tuchel, Mendy fell behind Kepa Arrizabalaga. That is in the pecking order under coaches Graham Potter and then Frank Lampard.
The Saudi Pro league has become an attractive destination for Europe-based players. This is since Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Al-Nassr last January.
Earlier this month, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced a Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project. That is involving the league champions Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.
PIF own 75% of each of the four clubs. While their respective non-profit foundations own 25% of each.
Saudi clubs have engaged in an aggressive recruitment strategy this summer. This is by offering lucrative contracts to some of the sport’s biggest names. Karim Benzema has joined Al Ittihad while Mendy’s former Chelsea teammates N’Golo Kante and Kalidou Koulibaly have also moved to the Saudi Pro League.
He will be an inspiration for all those who want to move to Saudi inorder to get a bigger paycheck. He may use this money like Koulibaly inorder to provide for the needed people in their countries. Chelsea are in a clear out proces and are looking to clear out most of the players before the start of next season.
