Riyad Mahrez Set to Join Al-Shamal Three Months After Al-Ahli Exit
Riyad Mahrez is set to begin a new chapter in his career after reaching a verbal agreement to join Qatari club Al-Shamal, ending three months as a free agent following his departure from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.
The 35-year-old Algeria international left Al-Ahli by mutual consent in early July, shortly after announcing his retirement from international football in the wake of Algeria’s World Cup exit. He had spent three productive seasons in Jeddah, making 122 appearances, scoring 37 goals and providing 46 assists while helping the club claim consecutive AFC Champions League Elite titles and the Saudi Super Cup.
Since becoming a free agent, Mahrez has been linked with a range of clubs across Europe, Turkey, Brazil and the Gulf, including interest from sides such as Como, Deportivo La Coruña and Al-Shabab. None of those moves materialised. Instead, the former Manchester City and Leicester City winger has opted to remain in the region, agreeing terms with Al-Shamal on an initial one-year contract that includes an option for a further season.
The deal, first reported by Algerian outlet DZfoot and corroborated by Qatari sources and transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, is expected to be finalised early next week once Mahrez completes a medical. He has been training individually in Dubai in recent weeks to maintain his fitness while deciding on his next destination.
At Al-Shamal, who finished as runners-up in the Qatar Stars League last season and are competing in this year’s AFC Champions League Elite, Mahrez will reunite with former Algeria team-mate Baghdad Bounedjah. The club also already features other Algerian players, offering a familiar environment as he continues his career at the highest level of Asian club football.
One early highlight of his new adventure is already marked in the calendar. Al-Shamal are due to face Al-Ahli on 23 November in the AFC Champions League Elite, setting up an emotional reunion with the club he left only months ago.
For a player who won five Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Africa Cup of Nations, the move represents another calculated step rather than a winding-down. Mahrez has made clear he still has the appetite and ability to perform, and Al-Shamal’s continental ambitions appear to have been a decisive factor in his choice. The formal announcement of his arrival is expected imminently.