Al-Shabab’s 48-hour Mahrez comment raises fresh Saudi Pro League transfer questions

Al-Shabab chairman Abdulaziz Al-Malki has intensified speculation over Riyad Mahrez’s future by suggesting that developments regarding the former Al-Ahli forward could emerge within the next 48 hours.

Al-Malki was speaking after Al-Shabab’s 2-0 defeat by Al-Hilal in the Roshn Saudi League on Friday evening. The match was played at SHG Arena in the fifth round of the competition.

Asked about the possibility of Al-Shabab signing Mahrez during the current summer transfer window, Al-Malki gave an ambiguous response after the Algeria international’s name had been linked with the club in recent hours.

“Riyad Mahrez is a major addition to Saudi football and to Al-Shabab. God willing, we will see what happens during the next 48 hours,” Al-Malki told Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat.

The comments have prompted renewed discussion about where the 35-year-old will play next. Reports have suggested that Mahrez could return to Al-Ahli, while Al-Ittihad have also been linked with a move for the winger.

Mahrez left Al-Ahli after the end of last season, when the Saudi club terminated his contract unilaterally with one year still remaining on the agreement.

The former Manchester City player joined Al-Ahli in the summer of 2023 and has spent three years competing in the Saudi league. During that period, he helped the club win the AFC Champions League Elite twice and the Saudi Super Cup once.

Mahrez had moved to Al-Ahli from Manchester City, where he won major honours in England before beginning his spell in Saudi Arabia. His next destination remains unclear, with Al-Malki’s remarks adding to the uncertainty rather than confirming that negotiations with Al-Shabab have been completed.

Al-Malki also defended Al-Shabab’s performance against Al-Hilal and said the club needed time to develop its squad.

“We played a great match. I am proud of the team. We did not make the right start, and the points we lost were because of missed chances and small details,” he said.

“Our team needs some time. The signings did not start until 9 August, which was after…” he added in comments shared with media representatives following the match.

The unfinished statement was published alongside Al-Malki’s post-match remarks, while his comments about Mahrez immediately became the focus of attention. No confirmation was given that Al-Shabab had reached an agreement with the player, nor was there any announcement that Mahrez would return to Al-Ahli or join Al-Ittihad.

Al-Shabab’s defeat left the club reflecting on missed opportunities and the need for further squad development, while the chairman’s reference to the next 48 hours ensured that Mahrez’s future remained one of the central talking points surrounding the Saudi transfer window.