Riyad Mahrez gives clear response to Wydad Casablanca speculation

Riyad Mahrez has rejected reports linking him with a move to Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca, responding to a post about the rumour with an emoji expressing disapproval.

Reports in recent days had suggested the former Algeria captain could be a target for Wydad, who were said to be considering him as a possible replacement for Hakim Ziyech if the Morocco international were to leave.

According to winwin, Mahrez had been offered to the Casablanca club. Wydad were reportedly seeking information about the financial cost of a potential deal, while also attempting to reduce their wage commitments.

The story was subsequently circulated by Newmatv, but Mahrez himself moved to deny the claims. The 35-year-old winger replied directly in the comments of the outlet’s post on X, using an emoji to signal his disagreement with the report.

Mahrez has been without a club since the beginning of July, following the official end of his time with Al-Ahli. His response appears to have brought an end to speculation that he could continue his career in Morocco, as well as the hopes of Wydad supporters who had been imagining his arrival at the club.

The former Algeria international had previously contributed to the rumours by sending a courteous message to Wydad on social media. That gesture was interpreted by some supporters as a possible indication of interest, although his latest reaction has now dismissed the idea of a transfer.

Mahrez would also represent a major financial challenge for Wydad. The club are negotiating with Ziyech over a reduction in his salary, which is already considerably lower than Mahrez’s earnings during his time in Saudi Arabia.

Mahrez was earning close to 40m euros net per year in Saudi Arabia, making a move of this scale financially out of reach for the Red and Whites under their current plans to reduce spending.

Mahrez, who earned 119 caps and scored 40 goals for Algeria, previously captained his country before ending his international career. His club future remains unresolved after his departure from Al-Ahli, but his brief response has made clear that a move to Wydad Casablanca is not currently under consideration.