JEDDAH — Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has left Chelsea to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli.

"The Lion of Teranga protects our goal," Al-Ahli said in a Twitter post on Wednesday.

Al-Ahli, who are making their return to the top-flight Pro League next season after a year in the second division, said Mendy's contract would run until 2026, without giving any financial details.

British media reported that the Al-Ahli would pay around 16 million pounds ($20.24 million) for the goalkeeper.

Mendy joined Premier League Chelsea from Stade Rennais in 2020 and the 31-year-old played a pivotal role as the London club won their second Champions League title with a 1-0 win over Manchester City in the final in 2021.

The Saudi Pro league has become an attractive destination for Europe-based players since Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Al-Nassr last January.

League Champions Al-Ittihad signed Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema earlier this month, while the club also confirmed former Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante's move last week.

Mendy became the third Chelsea player to move to Saudi Arabia after Kante and compatriot Kalidou Koulibaly joined Al-Hilal. — Agencies