Mendy, Koulibaly and Ziyech moves to Saudi Arabia provide boost for Chelsea

19.06.2023 - 15:35 theguardian.com

Chelsea’s hopes of raising funds and lightening their squad have been given a major boost by three of their outcasts, Édouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Hakim Ziyech, closing in on lucrative moves to clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are under pressure to move players out of Chelsea and the ownership hopes to offload a number of expensive misfits to the big-spending Saudi Pro League.

Although Romelu Lukaku has snubbed interest from Al-Hilal and hopes to return to Inter on loan, many of the Belgian striker’s teammates are open to moving to the Middle East.

Chelsea are in talks with Al-Nassr over a deal for the Morocco winger Ziyech, who wants to team up with Cristiano Ronaldo, and Koulibaly is likely to join Al-Hilal for about €30m (£25.5m).

Football Arsenal Chelsea Cristiano Ronaldo Kepa Arrizabalaga Mauricio Pochettino Belgium Morocco Saudi Arabia county Todd Clearlake

Several well-known footballers have made the move to Saudi Arabia in the past couple of months and one of them was former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino. The Brazil international was an integral part of Liverpool but the journey to Saudi Arabia to play for Al-Ahli will be a completely new experience for him. However, the fanfare for the footballer was in full display as he reached Saudi Arabia. In a video going viral on social media, Firmino can be seen getting mobbed by fans as he got down from his car. He took pictures with the fans and seemed quite excited after the welcome he received.

Former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino heads to Saudi Arabia to join Al-Ahli

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: Roberto Firmino signed for Al-Ahli on Tuesday to become the latest star to head to Saudi Arabia’s lucrative Pro League. The Brazil striker left Liverpool at the end of last season after a trophy-filled eight-year spell, which saw him lift every major club title. Now, at the age of 31, he will join a host of other top soccer stars in Saudi Arabia as the oil-rich kingdom embarks on a spectacular attempt to raise the profile of its league. “I always played for big teams, now I am in Al-Ahli,” Firmino said in a video posted on Twitter by the club to announce his signing.

Steven Gerrard Joins Saudi Arabia Influx To Take Charge Of Al-Ettifaq

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is the latest star name to make the move to Saudi Arabia after signing a deal to become head coach of Al-Ettifaq. The 43-year-old has been out of the game since being sacked by Aston Villa in October. Gerrard had previously said he had turned down an offer to head to the Gulf state, but has now been lured by the riches on offer. "Where legends are found. We're thrilled to announce Steven Gerrard is our new head coach," the club said in a post on Twitter. Al-Ettifaq finished seventh out of 16 clubs in the Saudi Pro League last season.

Marcelo Brozovic becomes the latest player leaving Europe for Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr

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Steven Gerrard seals Saudi Arabia switch as former Rangers boss appointed Al Ettifaq coach

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Mendy joins Saudi's Al-Ahli from Chelsea

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