Riyad Mahrez faces uncertain next step as retirement speculation grows

Riyad Mahrez remains without a club as the summer transfer window enters its final days, prompting speculation over whether the former Algeria captain will continue his playing career.

Mahrez’s contract with Al Ahli was ended at the conclusion of last season, bringing his three-year spell with the Saudi Arabian club to an unexpected close. The decision reportedly came as part of Al Ahli’s plans to rebuild the squad, despite the player’s desire to remain with the club.

Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiya reports that the 35-year-old has not yet decided where he will play next. His name has been linked with a number of clubs in Europe and the Arab world, but no move has reached an advanced or decisive stage.

Several reports have associated Mahrez with a transfer to Serie A, with both Roma and Milan said to be interested. However, no agreement has been reached, with the Italian transfer window approaching its closure.

Mahrez has also been linked with a move to Wydad AC in Morocco. The player appeared to deny those reports indirectly on his official X account, posting a symbol understood to indicate that the claims about a transfer to the Moroccan club were untrue.

United Arab Emirates club Al Jazira reportedly made an offer for Mahrez. That proposed move stalled after Al Jazira failed to qualify for the AFC Champions League Elite, following a defeat by Al-Ittihad. Mahrez subsequently chose to wait rather than make an immediate decision about his future.

There have also been reports in the Algerian media suggesting Mahrez could join Abha, who were recently promoted to the Roshn Saudi League. Neither the player nor the club has officially confirmed those claims.

Mahrez’s departure from Al Ahli ended a successful period in which he made 122 appearances, scoring 37 goals and providing 50 assists. He helped the club win the AFC Champions League Elite in 2025 and 2026, as well as the Saudi Super Cup in 2025.

There is no official indication that Mahrez intends to retire from football. However, his continued absence from club football, combined with the approaching transfer deadline, has intensified questions about his plans.

Those doubts have also been heightened by his retirement from international football after representing Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At 35, Mahrez has yet to reveal his next destination, although the most likely outcome remains a move to another club rather than retirement.

The player’s immediate future is therefore expected to become clearer in the final days of the transfer window. For now, after three seasons with Al Ahli and several reported options failing to progress, Mahrez remains one of the most prominent unattached players in the market.