Riyad Mahrez: Free agent Algeria star linked with Marseille move

Riyad Mahrez, the Algeria international currently without a club after leaving Al-Ahli, is being linked with a move to Ligue 1 side Marseille. The 35-year-old right winger became a free agent on 4 July 2026 and is now assessing his options as he considers a return to French football more than a decade after leaving Le Havre.

Marseille are understood to be exploring whether Mahrez’s experience and creativity from the right flank could bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season, with the possibility of signing him on a free transfer viewed as an opportunity in a tight market. Mahrez’s current market valuation stands at around €5m, but his contractual status means no fee would be required.

Mahrez left Manchester City for Al-Ahli in July 2023 in a €35m deal and went on to win back-to-back AFC Champions League titles with the Saudi club in 2024-25 and 2025-26, as well as the Saudi Super Cup last season. He also underlined his enduring quality on the international stage at the 2026 World Cup, where he registered two goals and one assist in four appearances for Algeria.

A former Premier League and UEFA Champions League winner with City, Mahrez built his reputation in England with 82 goals and 63 assists across 284 Premier League appearances for Leicester City and City combined. Having now brought his spell in Saudi Arabia to an end, his next move is expected to hinge on the level of interest from Europe, with Marseille among the clubs monitoring his situation as he remains on the market as a free agent.