Chelsea have confirmed that goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has left the club to join Al-Ahli.
The 31-year-old made the move to Stamford Bridge from Rennes in 2020, and he has represented the Blues on 105 occasions in all competitions, keeping 49 clean sheets in the process.
The Senegal international only made 12 appearances for the club during the 2022-23 campaign, though, with Kepa Arrizabalaga ending the season as the number one goalkeeper.
There has been a host of speculation surrounding Mendy's future in recent weeks, with a number of Saudi Arabian clubs believed to have expressed an interest in his services.
Chelsea have now confirmed that Al-Ahli have won the race for his signature, with the stopper becoming the latest high-profile player to make the move to Saudi Arabia.
© Reuters
"Having started his career in the lower tiers of French football – and even spending several months without a club – Mendy rose to the pinnacle of European football with Chelsea," read a statement on Chelsea's official website.
"A hugely likeable character on and off the pitch, he will always have a place in our history for his significant contributions to our 2021 Champions League triumph. For that, and for everything else, we are grateful. Good luck, Edou!"
Mendy leaves Chelsea having won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup during his time at the club, in addition to reaching two FA Cup finals and one EFL Cup final.
The goalkeeper had a contract at Stamford Bridge until June 2025, but he has been allowed to depart this summer, with Al-Ahli signing him on a lucrative contract.
Silverware and success. 👊 pic.twitter.com/YE7kRn8G0D
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 28, 2023
Chelsea have already allowed Kalidou Koulibaly to join Al-Hilal this summer, while N'Golo Kante has left the Blues on a free transfer to make the move to Al-Ittihad.
Hakim Ziyech is also expected to leave Stamford Bridge to move to the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Nassr believed to be the favourites to sign him in a deal worth £8m.
According to the Evening Standard, Al-Ahli, who won the second-tier title last season to secure a return to the top flight, have paid around £16m for Mendy.
Kepa is now expected to remain at Chelsea this summer and start the 2023-24 campaign as Mauricio Pochettino's number one despite again struggling to convince last season.
Matt Law
