Riyad Mahrez has officially linked up with his Al-Ahli teammates in Längenfeld, Austria, as the Saudi champions begin their pre-season training camp ahead of the 2025-2026 campaign.
The Algerian captain arrived on schedule to join the squad in the Alpine town, marking the start of what is set to be an intense and ambitious summer preparation.
The camp, which got underway on Monday, signals the club’s clear intention to build on last season’s triumph in the AFC Champions League and to assert dominance both at home and abroad in the new season.
According to reports from Saudi outlet Arriyadiyah, Mahrez will be training under the guidance of German head coach Matthias Jaissle.
The winger will be working alongside high-profile teammates such as England’s Ivan Toney and Ivory Coast’s Franck Kessié, both of whom are also central to Al-Ahli’s tactical plans.
The Austrian leg is the first of a three-part pre-season itinerary designed by Al-Ahli’s technical staff.
After completing their schedule in Austria, the team will travel to Italy and then Spain, conducting a series of five friendly matches between July 18 and August 5.
The objective is to sharpen match fitness and tactical cohesion before competitive fixtures resume.
Mahrez, 33, is expected to once again play a pivotal role in Al-Ahli’s attack. His creativity, vision, and experience were instrumental in the club’s successful continental campaign last season.
The former Manchester City star ended the year as one of the standout performers in the Saudi Pro League, earning widespread acclaim for his leadership and consistency on the field.
His return to training in peak condition will be crucial as Al-Ahli aim to maintain their winning momentum.
With continental and domestic challenges looming, the club is counting on Mahrez to replicate and even exceed last season’s form.
This pre-season also comes at a time when the club is reshaping its ambitions, with growing expectations following their recent triumphs.
As the team enters a critical phase of preparation, Mahrez’s presence provides both a morale boost and a tactical edge heading into what promises to be a demanding season.
