Riyad Mahrez social media activity fuels speculation over Al-Shabab move

Riyad Mahrez’s next club could be Al-Shabab after the former Manchester City winger followed the Saudi Pro League side on Instagram, adding to reports that talks are taking place over a possible transfer.

Nothing has been signed and the move does not confirm that the 35-year-old Algeria international will join the Riyadh-based club. However, the timing of his decision to follow Al-Shabab has increased speculation that the Saudi Arabian side is one of the leading options for his future.

In the modern transfer market, social media activity can sometimes offer clues about a player’s intentions. Mahrez’s new connection with Al-Shabab is therefore being closely watched, particularly because it would be difficult to explain the decision simply as a sudden personal interest in the club.

The development comes as Al-Shabab are reportedly in discussions with Mahrez’s representatives. Journalist Gianluigi Longari says the parties involved are examining the possibility of bringing in the former Manchester City player.

That prospect will disappoint supporters who had hoped to see Mahrez make one final move to a European club before the end of his career.

Mahrez’s name had been linked in recent days with Deportivo de La Coruna, who were promoted to La Liga this season. That possibility, however, appears to have quickly lost momentum.

Speaking to DAZN, Marca journalist Matteo Moretto said he had made enquiries with people inside the Galician club. According to Moretto, those contacts told him that a deal for Mahrez would be impossible to complete.

The indications now point increasingly towards the Algeria international continuing his career in the Gulf, rather than returning to European football.

Mahrez has been a free agent since ending his spell with Al-Ahli and remains highly regarded in the Saudi Pro League. Al-Ettifaq have also been mentioned as a possible destination, while a move to the United Arab Emirates has emerged as another option.

The winger knows the Saudi football environment well after spending three seasons with Al-Ahli. He also has extensive experience at the highest level, having won the Premier League with Leicester and Manchester City.

Mahrez played a central role in Leicester’s historic title success before moving to Manchester City, where he added further domestic honours. He later continued his career in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli.

Following Al-Shabab on Instagram is not, in itself, evidence that a transfer is imminent. Yet, when combined with reports of negotiations between the club and Mahrez’s representatives, the gesture represents one of the clearest signs so far that a move to Riyadh could be developing.

For now, Mahrez’s future remains unresolved. But Al-Shabab’s emergence as a possible destination appears to have gathered significant momentum.