Chelsea Football Club has bid farewell to their goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who has been sold to Al-Ahli in a transfer deal amounting to a hefty £16 million. This recent departure adds to a growing trend of players leaving Stamford Bridge for Saudi Arabia, marking a notable shift in the team’s composition.
Mendy, a Senegal international, had been spending an extended period on the sidelines, with limited opportunities to showcase his skills. Mauricio Pochettino, the manager of Chelsea, has decided to grant the coveted No. 1 shirt to Kepa Arrizabalaga for the upcoming season. Kepa’s resurgence in form during the previous season, coupled with Mendy’s noteworthy errors on the field, prompted this decision.
When Mendy initially joined Chelsea in 2020, his primary objective was to displace Kepa as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper. He swiftly made his mark, matching the previous record for the most clean sheets in a single season of the UEFA Champions League. In fact, Mendy’s impressive performances between the posts played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s triumphant campaign, as they clinched the Champions League title during his debut season.
However, the 31-year-old shot-stopper has now been granted permission to embark on a new chapter of his career at Al-Ahli, as they prepare to make their return to the Saudi Pro League. Al-Ahli secured the second-tier title last year following an unexpected relegation, and they are keen to bolster their squad with top talent.
Mendy’s decision to join Al-Ahli follows in the footsteps of his compatriot Kalidou Koulibaly, who recently sealed a £17 million deal with Al-Hilal, another prominent club in the Gulf state. The allure of playing in Saudi Arabia’s footballing landscape seems to be gaining traction among talented individuals, as they seek fresh challenges and lucrative opportunities.
As Chelsea bids farewell to Mendy, fans and pundits alike will undoubtedly speculate on the implications of this departure. The team will need to find a suitable replacement for Mendy’s goalkeeping prowess, ensuring that their defensive line remains solid.
Meanwhile, Mendy and Koulibaly will be aiming to make their mark in Saudi Arabian football, as they adapt to their new surroundings and strive to contribute to the success of their respective clubs.