Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy joins Al-Ahli as newest Chelsea participant heading to Saudi Arabia

LONDON (AP) – Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy joined Saudi Arabian group Al-Ahli on Wednesday, turning into the most recent Chelsea participant to go to the oil-rich kingdom.

N’Golo Kante and Kalidou Koulibaly have already made strikes to the profitable Saudi Pro League throughout this switch window. Hakim Ziyech can be anticipated to affix Al-Nassr, the place he’ll group up with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Al-Ahli and Chelsea each confirmed the transfer.

“THE BEST goalkeeper is in our house!” Al-Ahli tweeted. “The fortress is safe.”

Mendy was pictured holding an Al-Ahli shirt, with 2026 on it, doubtless in reference to the size of his contract.

No monetary particulars got however media studies stated the payment was 17 million kilos ($21.5 million).

Mendy, 31, joined Chelsea from French group Rennes in 2020 and went on to win the Champions League in his first season on the membership. The Senegal goalkeeper additionally lifted the Club World Cup and the European Super Cup the next season.

Chelsea stated he would “all the time have a spot in our historical past for his important contributions to our 2021 Champions League triumph.

“For that, and for everything else, we are grateful.”

Mendy made 105 appearances in all competitions, however was lowered to back-up keeper final season after Kepa Arrizabalaga established himself as first selection.

It was reported that new Chelsea supervisor Mauricio Pochettino intends to maintain Arrizabalaga as his No. 1 keeper.

Mendy is a part of an bold recruitment drive being carried out by Saudi Arabia this summer season and is one among a number of gamers from Europe’s prime leagues to make the transfer.

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in December and Karim Benzema signed for Al-Ittihad after leaving Real Madrid on the finish of the season.

Kante has additionally joined Saudi champion Al-Ittihad on a free switch, whereas Koulibaly and Ruben Neves have signed for Al-Hilal.

More gamers from Europe are anticipated to comply with throughout this low season.

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