Manchester City Transfer News: Saudi Arabia want to sign two club stars
By Evan Curnew
Manchester City Transfer News (June 11) – Today’s Manchester City transfer news features Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan potentially departing for Saudi Arabia as well as prize money from Treble revealed.
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Manchester City Transfer News – Ilkay Gundogan to make a decision on his future amid interest from Saudi Arabia
FootMercato’s Santi Aouna is reporting that Saudi Arabia is expecting to hear an answer from Ilkay Gundogan following his UCL win with Manchester City. While the midfielder reportedly is close to a move to FC Barcelona, Saudi Arabia will significantly push Gundogan to the Saudi Pro League.
At first glance, it may seem weird that an entire country is targeting a footballer, but you have to dig a little deeper. Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund is called the Public Investment Fund, which has invested in the likes of F1 Racing, LIV Golf and Newcastle United. It was recently announced by the PIF via Twitter that they had taken over Saudi Pro League sides Al Hilal, Al Ahli, Al Ittihad and Al Nassr. The fund now focuses on signing big-name players in Europe, such as Karim Benzema joining Al Ittihad. Should Gundogan move to Saudi Arabia, it would be to one of those clubs.
Manchester City Transfer News – Al Ahli willing to pay massive contract to lure Riyad Mahrez to club
ESPN is reporting that Al Ahli SC is willing to offer a contract upwards of £85.5M with bonuses to Riyad Mahrez in hopes of landing the Algerian winger. ESPN further reports that Waleed Muaath, Al Ahli SC president is in London to speak with Mahrez as well as other footballers. Mahrez would likely sign a two-year deal in Saudi Arabia, and it’s believed the player is open to the possibility of playing in the Saudi Pro League. Mahrez still has two years on his current deal meaning Al Ahli would have to pay a transfer fee. The club was only just promoted back to the top flight in Saudi Arabia but historically is a massive club in the country. As aforementioned, they are now owned by the PIF.
Manchester City Transfer News – Massive prize pool revealed amid dynasty talks
The Telegraph has stated that between their FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League successes, Manchester City has gained £294 million in prize money. This a significant chunk of change that the club can use to boost the squad further this summer. With potential outgoings, the like ones listed above, the club is sure to enter into the transfer market. Rodri, who netted the lone goal in the Champions League final, feels the historical win can leapfrog the club into continued European success (quote via The Telegraph).
"“Yes. For me, and I said this before the game, it was so important to win against Inter because we can build a legacy for the future.“We can trust in ourselves that we did it and this is what teams like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, AC Milan – these kind of clubs – did in the past. So, yes, we believe we can do it again. I think that’s why it’s so important.”"