Riyad Mahrez faces choice between Saudi rivals and Al-Wasl switch

Riyad Mahrez is reportedly considering offers from three clubs after leaving Al-Ahli, with Saudi Pro League sides Al-Shabab and Al-Ettifaq competing for his signature while Al-Wasl are also said to have agreed personal terms with the former Algeria international.

Mahrez, 35, has been without a club since the beginning of July, when his contract with Al-Ahli was terminated. According to Saudi newspaper Al-Awsat, negotiations are under way with both Al-Shabab and Al-Ettifaq, who are attempting to keep the winger in Saudi Arabia.

The two clubs are reportedly prepared to offer Mahrez an annual salary of €10m. That figure would represent a substantial reduction from his earnings at Al-Ahli, where he was said to have earned about €40m per year.

The possibility of Mahrez returning to Morocco with Wydad Casablanca was previously raised, but the player himself denied that rumour. A move within the Saudi Pro League therefore remains a possibility, although there is also a reported offer from the United Arab Emirates.

Journalist Pablo Oliveira reports that Mahrez has reached an agreement in principle with Al-Wasl on a two-year contract, with the option of extending the deal for a further season.

The Dubai-based club are said to have proposed a fixed annual salary of €7.5m. That package could rise by as much as €1m if performance-related bonuses are achieved, making the offer slightly lower than the terms being discussed by Al-Shabab and Al-Ettifaq.

Al-Wasl’s main advantage is their qualification for the Asian Champions League. Mahrez has a particular affinity for the competition, having won it in each of the past two seasons with Al-Ahli.

The winger left Manchester City for Al-Ahli and has since become one of the most prominent players in the Saudi game. He remains a significant figure in Algerian football, having served as captain before retiring from international duty after winning 119 caps and scoring 40 goals for his country.

With discussions reportedly continuing in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Mahrez’s next destination has yet to be confirmed. A return to the Saudi Pro League would offer the financial terms currently being discussed by two domestic rivals, while Al-Wasl could provide the attraction of another Asian Champions League campaign.

For now, Al-Shabab, Al-Ettifaq and Al-Wasl are all linked with the 35-year-old, who is assessing his options after ending his time at Al-Ahli.