Mendy signs with Al-Ahli
Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has left Chelsea to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli, the two clubs announced on Wednesday.
Mendy joined the Blues from French side Rennes in 2020 and was part of the Senegal side to win the Africa Cup of Nations. He made the decisive save in the penalty shootout to help the Teranga Lions beat Egypt.
He won the Champions League in 2020-21 and kept 49 clean sheets in 105 games.
Mendy was later named Uefa’s goalkeeper of the season and Best Fifa men’s keeper for 2021.
However, he fell out of favour at Stamford Bridge after Thomas Tuchel was replaced by Graham Potter as manager in September 2022. Mendy finished last season as the back-up to Kepa Arrizabalaga and made just three first team starts after Potter took charge.
In a statement on Chelsea’s website, the Premier League club said “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,”
“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!”
Sharing his own message on Instagram, along with a carousel of images fronted by his 2021 Champions League triumph, Mendy wrote his goodbye to the club along with thanks to all those that brought him to West London and supported him during his spell there.
