Riyad Mahrez arrives in Doha ahead of Al Shamal move

Riyad Mahrez has arrived in Doha ahead of his expected move to Al Shamal, with the Algeria international travelling to Qatar from Dubai alongside two former national team team-mates.

The 35-year-old forward landed at Hamad International Airport at around 12:00 local time, where he was welcomed by Al Shamal’s communications manager, Abdel Aziz Cherif.

Mahrez is now expected to complete his medical examination in the coming hours or days, probably at Aspetar, before being officially presented by Thursday.

The move is expected to be completed before the end of the week as Mahrez prepares for the next stage of his career in Qatar.

However, Mahrez did not make the journey to Doha alone.

The former Algeria captain was accompanied by goalkeeper Raïs M’Bolhi, who is 40 and recently retired from football, and Saphir Taider, 34.

M’Bolhi and Taider were both former team-mates of Mahrez with the Algeria national team.

Taider has been based in Dubai for several years, while M’Bolhi recently brought his playing career to an end.

Their arrival in Doha came as Mahrez prepares to undergo the final steps before his move to Al Shamal is formally completed.

The Algerian’s arrival at Hamad International Airport was met by Cherif, who was present to welcome the player as he began the process of joining the club.

Mahrez is expected to undergo his medical examination before the official presentation, which is scheduled to take place by Thursday.

The former national team team-mates travelling with him added an unexpected element to his arrival in Doha, with M’Bolhi and Taider making the trip alongside the experienced forward.

For Mahrez, the next step is to complete his medical and finalise his move before being officially presented by Al Shamal later this week.