Edouard Mendy becomes latest Premier League star to complete Saudi Arabia transfer as goalkeeper leaves Chelsea
EDOUARD MENDY has become the latest Premier League star to be snapped up by a Saudi Arabian side.
That's after leaving Chelsea in Todd Boehly's mass summer exodus.
Mendy, 31, was deemed surplus to requirements after losing his No1 spot to Kepa Arrizabalaga last season.
The Senegal international also refused to pen a new deal after demanding top wages during negotiations.
And Chelsea have now offloaded Mendy to Al-Ahli for around £17million, with the goalie becoming the third player to swap Stamford Bridge for Saudi this summer.
Kalidou Koulibaly called time on his Chelsea career after just one season by completing a move to Al-Hilal this week.
And N'Golo Kante made a free transfer move to Al-Ittihad, where he will play alongside Karim Benzema.
Mendy may not be the last either, with Hakim Ziyech close to joining Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.
Wolves' Ruben Neves is another who has left the Premier League for the Middle East, joining Al-Hilal for £47m.
And Mendy's exit brings down the curtain on a whirlwind three years in London.
Most read in Football
BETTING SPECIAL - BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
He posted an emotional farewell message on social media, saying: "As I prepare to begin a new chapter in my career, it's hard to say goodbye.
"It has been an incredible three years wearing the Chelsea jersey, during which we achieved great success, including winning the Champions League, the UEFA SuperCup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
"I want to sincerely thank Roman, Marina, Petr, Christophe, and the entire staff who made it possible for me to represent this prestigious club.
"I am thankful to my coaches and all the staff for the invaluable lessons and growth I experienced.
"A special thanks goes to all my teammates for the unforgettable journey we shared together.
"I also want to extend my deep gratitude to all the fans for their unbelievable support throughout my time at Chelsea.
"Although it's time for me to turn a new page, I sincerely wish the club continued success with the new owners and numerous titles in the years to come. Edu."
Mendy was a surprise £22m purchase from Rennes in 2020, having been playing in France's second tier just two years earlier.
But Mendy showed no signs of fear as he played 44 times before ending his first season with Champions League glory.
SIMPLY THE BEST
He was subsequently named the competition's Best Goalkeeper, and won the Best Fifa award for his position later that year.
Mendy featured 49 times in the 2021/22 campaign as Chelsea went on to win the Uefa SuperCup and Club World Cup.
But an injury last season saw him lose his place in the side to Kepa.
Mendy was unable to get his spot back under Graham Potter.
And he played just 12 times, with his final appearance coming under Frank Lampard in May's 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.
Chelsea owner Boehly is showing no mercy as he clears the decks ahead of Mauricio Pochettino's first training session next week.
As well as the Saudi exits, he has also sanctioned Mateo Kovacic's move to Treble winners Man City.
Tiemoue Bakayoko left on a free transfer when his contract expired.
And neither Joao Felix or Denis Zakaria had their loan deals extended.
The likes of Kai Havertz, Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek now look set to leave.
Cesar Azpilicueta and Trevoh Chalobah could also be on their way to Inter Milan.
Read More on The US Sun
And forwards Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic are on the transfer list too.
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and confirmed switches from the world of football