Algeria star Riyad Mahrez reportedly close to Al Shamal move after Al Ahli exit

Former Algeria international Riyad Mahrez is reportedly close to joining Qatari club Al Shamal as he looks to continue his career following his departure from Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli.

The 35-year-old winger has been a free agent since leaving Al Ahli earlier this summer and is now expected to remain in the Gulf region, with a move to the Qatar Stars League potentially on the horizon.

Negotiations between Mahrez and Al Shamal are at an advanced stage, with the transfer potentially set to be made official soon. Should the deal be completed, the experienced winger would become one of the most notable additions to the Qatari league and bring considerable experience to Al Shamal’s squad.

Mahrez has enjoyed a distinguished career at the highest level of European football. He began his professional journey in France with Le Havre before moving to England, where he established himself as one of the Premier League’s outstanding attacking players.

His breakthrough came at Leicester City, where he played a crucial role in the club’s remarkable Premier League title-winning campaign in the 2015/16 season. His performances earned him widespread recognition and eventually led to a move to Manchester City.

At City, Mahrez added further major honours to his collection, winning multiple domestic trophies and playing a key role in the club’s success. He was also part of the Manchester City team that won the UEFA Champions League in the 2022/23 season.

Following his successful spell in England, Mahrez moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023 to join Al Ahli. He continued to play an important role for the Jeddah-based club before bringing his time in the Saudi Pro League to an end earlier this year.

Now, the Algerian winger could be heading to Qatar for another chapter of his career.

Mahrez also remains one of the most accomplished players in Algerian football history. He was a key figure in Algeria’s triumphant 2019 Africa Cup of Nations campaign and has represented the national team at several major international tournaments.

A move to Al Shamal would give the Qatari club a player with extensive experience in European competition, domestic title races and international football. His technical ability, creativity and experience in the attacking third could provide an additional dimension to Al Shamal’s squad.

For Mahrez, the proposed move would represent another opportunity to continue playing competitive football after his departure from Al Ahli.

While the transfer is yet to be officially confirmed, reports suggest that Mahrez is edging closer to becoming an Al Shamal player, with an announcement potentially expected in the coming days.

If completed, the move would see the former Manchester City star add the Qatar Stars League to the list of competitions he has experienced during a career that has taken him from France to England, Saudi Arabia and potentially Qatar.