Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes Saudi Arabia has changed football's transfer market in their bit to "create a stronger league", after the English Premier League champions sold winger Riyadh Mahrez to Jeddah-based club Al-Ahli.
The Saudi Pro League side, looking to launch a title challenge after returning to the top flight this season, has also signed Allan Saint-Maximin from Newcastle United, and Guardiola admitted the terms offered to Mahrez were too good to turn down.
"Saudi Arabia has changed the market", said Guardiola. "A few months ago when Cristiano (Ronaldo) was the only one to go, no one thought this may top, top players would play in the Saudi league.
"In the future will be more, and that's why clubs need to be aware of what is happening. Riyadh got an incredible offer and that's why could not say don't do it".
Mahrez, who scored 78 goals in a trophy-laden spell at City, on Friday joined Al - Ahli for a reported sum of 25 million euros ($38.55 million) plus five million in add-ons.
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