Goalkeeper Eduard Mendy joined Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli on Wednesday, becoming the latest Chelsea player to head to the oil-rich kingdom.
N’Golo Kante and Kalidou Koulibaly have already moved to the lucrative Saudi professional league during this transfer. Hakim Ziyech is also expected to join Al Nasr, who will team up with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Al-Ahli and Chelsea both confirmed the move.
“The best goalkeeper is in my house!” Al-Ahli wrote on Twitter. “This fort is safe.”
Mendy was pictured holding an al-Ahli shirt with 2026 engraved on it in connection with the term of the contract.
Financial details were not provided, but media reports said the fee was (17 million ($21.5 million).
Mendy, 31, moved from French side Rennes to Chelsea in 2020 and won the Champions League in his first season at the club. The Senegalese goalkeeper also lifted the Club World Cup and the European Super Cup next season.
“His significant contribution to winning the 2021 Champions League will always establish itself in our history,” Chelsea said.
“For that and everything else, we are grateful.” 토토사이트넷
Mendy has played 105 times in all competitions, but was reduced to a backup keeper last season when Kepa Arrizabalaga established himself as the main player.
New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly planning to keep Arisabalaga as his No. 1 keeper.
Mendy is part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious recruitment drive this summer and is one of a number of players from Europe’s top leagues.
Ronaldo joined Al-Nasr in December and Karim Benzema signed for Al-Etihad after leaving Real Madrid at the end of the season.
Kante also joined Saudi champions Al-Ittihad on a free transfer, while Kulibaly and Ruben Neves signed for Al-Hilal.
More players are expected to follow from Europe this offseason.