Riyad Mahrez joins Qatar’s Al Shamal on a free transfer

Riyad Mahrez has signed for Al Shamal after leaving Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli, giving the 35-year-old Algeria international a new opportunity to continue his career in the Middle East.

The Qatari club confirmed the move on social media, publishing a video featuring some of Mahrez’s most notable goals for the Algeria national team and Manchester City.

Mahrez joins Al Shamal as a free agent after Al Ahli terminated his contract at the end of last season. The agreement means the Qatari club will not pay a transfer fee for the former Manchester City winger.

The move was first reported exclusively by Africafoot and brings an end to several months of uncertainty over Mahrez’s next club.

Mahrez begins new chapter in Qatar

Mahrez moved to Al Ahli from Manchester City in 2023 in a transfer estimated at about 35 million euros. After completing his spell in Saudi Arabia, he has opted to remain in the region by joining the Qatar Stars League.

Al Shamal finished as runners-up in Qatar last season and Mahrez’s arrival gives the club an experienced addition as it looks to build on that campaign. The winger now has the chance to return to competitive football and contribute to a side with ambitions at the top end of the league.

His departure from Al Ahli had prompted speculation about whether he would continue playing, but Mahrez has decided not to retire. The former Manchester City player remains determined to pursue his career at the highest level and is expected to use his move to Al Shamal to regain match fitness and rhythm.

Mahrez had announced that he would end his Algeria career after the 2026 World Cup, while also making clear that he wanted to continue playing for his club. His transfer to Al Shamal therefore represents a fresh challenge for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner.

The Algeria international began his senior career in France before establishing himself in England with Leicester City. He played a key role in Leicester’s Premier League title success and later won major honours with Manchester City, before moving to Al Ahli.

At Al Shamal, Mahrez will be expected to provide both creativity and experience as he starts the next stage of his career in Qatar.