Como rule out move for Algeria star Riyad Mahrez

Serie A side Como have dismissed speculation linking former Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez with a summer move, with the club’s sporting director confirming that the experienced winger is not among their transfer targets.

Mahrez, who is currently without a club after the end of his spell in Saudi Arabia, had recently been linked with a move to the Italian outfit following reports suggesting he could return to European football and the UEFA Champions League.

However, Como have now moved to end those rumours.

Sporting director Carl Alberto Ludi gave a clear response when asked about the possibility of signing the former Manchester City winger.

“No, we are not interested in signing Mahrez this summer.”

The statement effectively brings an end to recent speculation that had connected the Algerian with a move to the Lombardy-based club.

Mahrez became available after concluding a three-year stay with Al-Ahli Saudi, where he joined in 2023 following an illustrious spell with Manchester City.

The former Algeria international also announced his retirement from international football after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing an end to a distinguished career with the national team.

Although Mahrez’s experience at the highest level appeared to make him an attractive option on paper, the report suggests his profile does not align with Como’s long-term recruitment strategy.

Under head coach Cesc Fàbregas, the Italian club have focused on signing young players with significant development potential while complementing the squad with experienced professionals rather than established global stars.

That approach has seen Como invest in emerging talents such as Assane Diao, Alex Valle and Jesús Rodríguez, while experienced additions have included players like Sergi Roberto and Diogo Carlos.

According to the report, Álvaro Morata was the only high-profile signing in the squad last season, although his loan spell did not produce the desired impact.

At 35 years of age, Mahrez’s experience, reputation and expected wage demands are believed to place him outside the type of recruitment strategy currently being pursued by the Italian club.

Despite Como’s decision, Mahrez’s future remains unresolved.

During his three seasons with Al-Ahli Saudi, the winger made 122 appearances, scoring 37 goals and providing 50 assists while helping the club win domestic and continental honours.

Those performances have ensured that the former Algeria captain continues to attract attention despite entering the latter stages of his career.

While a move to Como is no longer under consideration, the possibility of a return to European football has not been ruled out.

Mahrez now faces an important decision over the next step in his career, with interest in his services expected to continue as he searches for what could become the final chapter of his playing journey.