Mahrez to Wydad remains unlikely as European and Saudi interest emerges

Reports describing a possible move to Wydad Athletic Club for Algeria international Riyad Mahrez have been dismissed as no more than an initial idea, with no concrete negotiations taking place during the current summer transfer window.

Mahrez, the former Al-Ahli Saudi forward, became a free agent after his contract with the Saudi club was terminated at the end of last season. Reports had suggested that Wydad were considering signing the 34-year-old without paying a transfer fee.

However, Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, citing Algerian media reports, said the Moroccan club had not taken the proposal beyond the discussion stage. The reports indicated that Wydad’s interest had not developed into a formal approach or an active attempt to complete the transfer.

A move would also be difficult because Mahrez is attracting interest from AS Roma, while a number of clubs in the Roshn Saudi League are also understood to be monitoring his situation.

The Algeria winger’s technical quality and extensive experience at the highest level are seen as major factors in the competition for his signature. According to the reports, those qualities could make it difficult for any club outside Europe or the Gulf region to secure a deal for him.

Mahrez built the most successful period of his career at Manchester City, where he won the Premier League title four times between 2018 and 2023. He later joined Al-Ahli Saudi and won the AFC Champions League Elite twice with the club.

His current free-agent status has increased speculation about his next destination, but the reports from Algeria suggest that Wydad’s interest is not presently supported by a formal move. The Moroccan side would therefore face a significant challenge if it attempted to compete with clubs from Italy and Saudi Arabia for the former Manchester City player.

Mahrez began his professional career in France before establishing himself in the Premier League with Leicester City. He helped Leicester win the Premier League in the 2015-16 season, then moved to Manchester City, where he added further domestic honours and gained extensive Champions League experience.

The winger’s profile, international standing and record of success have made him one of the most prominent unattached players available in the current transfer market. For now, however, the available reports do not indicate that a transfer to Wydad is close to being completed.