Riyad Mahrez is going nowhere, at least not to a Club World Cup rival.
Al Ahly Jeddah has firmly rejected Al Hilal’s bid to loan the Algerian star for the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Set to take place from 15 June to 13 July, the tournament sees Al Hilal grouped with Real Madrid, Salzburg, and Pachuca in a fiercely competitive Group E. With the stakes high, Al Hilal has been scrambling for last-minute reinforcements from within the Saudi league.
Mahrez, long admired by the Riyadh-based club, was high on their wishlist. However, despite Al Hilal’s interest, Al Ahly stood their ground. British journalist Ben Jacobs confirmed that Mahrez was approached but Al Ahly immediately shut the door.
“Al Hilal contacted Mahrez, but Al Ahly rejected his request in principle,” Jacobs wrote on X.
Mahrez had earlier stated his commitment to Al Ahly, insisting he would not wear another shirt. Al Hilal also targeted Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, but like with Mahrez, that pursuit ended in disappointment.
