Chelsea confirm sale of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to Al Ahli

Chelsea have confirmed goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has left the club to secure a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli.

The Senegal international was the Blues’ starting goalie under former boss Thomas Tuchel and played an integral role during their successful Champions League campaign of 2020/21, conceding just twice in seven knockout games.

He earned a host of individual awards during those successful early years but fell behind Kepa Arrizabalaga last season due to a loss of form and injuries.

90min revealed in May Chelsea were likely to sell one of the two shot-stoppers. Mendy has now departed, leaving Kepa – who signed a seven-season contract upon his arrival in 2018 – as the remaining choice for incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino.

90min does understand, however, that Pochettino and the Blues have been offered the chance to sign Porto star Diogo Costa, who is widely seen as one of the world’s top young goalkeepers.

Mendy becomes the latest Chelsea squad member to depart for Saudi Arabia. Kalidou Koulibaly’s move to Al Hilal was confirmed over the weekend while midfielder N’Golo Kante sealed a switch to reigning Saudi champions Al Ittihad on a free transfer.

Hakim Ziyech’s departure to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr is also expected imminently.

Mendy made 105 appearances in total for Chelsea after leaving Rennes for Stamford Bridge in 2020, winning the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup alongside silver medals in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

More departures will be confirmed soon. Kai Havertz has all but wrapped up a transfer to Arsenal, while Mateo Kovacic has already swapped London for Manchester by joining Pep Guardiola’s treble winners.