Mahrez Set for Qatar Move After Al-Ahli Exit
Mahrez became a free agent after leaving Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, where he spent three seasons and enjoyed considerable success.
Former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez is set to continue his club career in Qatar after agreeing terms with Al-Shamal. Photo: BeSoccer EN.
By Robert Mutasi
Former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez is set to continue his club career in Qatar after agreeing terms with Al-Shamal.
The 35-year-old Algerian is understood to have reached an agreement in principle on an initial one-year contract with the Qatar Stars League side, with an option to extend the deal for another season. He is expected to travel to Qatar early next week for a medical before completing the transfer.
Mahrez became a free agent after leaving Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, where he spent three seasons and enjoyed considerable success.
According to reports cited by GOAL, the winger had interest from clubs in England, Major League Soccer and elsewhere in the region before choosing Al-Shamal. The opportunity to play a prominent role domestically while competing in the AFC Champions League Elite reportedly influenced his decision.
The move will also see Mahrez reunite with Algeria teammate Baghdad Bounedjah, adding experience to an Al-Shamal attack preparing for a demanding season.
Mahrez leaves Al-Ahli after making 122 appearances for the Saudi club, scoring 37 goals and providing 46 assists. During his time in Jeddah, he helped the club win back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles as well as the Saudi Super Cup.
His move to Qatar comes after he ended his international career with Algeria following the 2026 World Cup. Mahrez had previously enjoyed a decorated spell at Manchester City, where he won the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, after establishing himself as one of the key players in Leicester City’s historic 2015-16 Premier League title-winning campaign.
Mahrez has reportedly been maintaining his fitness in Dubai while waiting for his next club. He is expected to undergo his medical on Monday or Tuesday before the transfer is formally completed.
Al-Shamal finished as runners-up in the previous domestic campaign and will also be competing in continental football. The club will hope Mahrez’s experience at the highest level can help strengthen its challenge both in Qatar and in the AFC Champions League Elite.
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