Riyad Mahrez weighs late-career Liga return after Saudi offers emerge

Riyad Mahrez is understood to be focused on securing a return to La Liga and has not followed up on interest from Al-Shabab, despite a reported offer worth €10m a year.

The former Manchester City winger has been without a club since leaving Al-Ahli and is considering one final challenge in Europe. Mahrez, 35, retired from international football after winning 119 caps and scoring 40 goals for Algeria.

His preferred destination is believed to be Spain, where he would be interested in continuing his career in La Liga.

Deportivo La Coruna had reportedly been keen to sign the experienced left winger. The ambitious newly promoted club has already recruited Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 37, and Adama Traore, 30, this summer, and was said to view Mahrez as a suitable addition to a squad being built around experienced players.

Mahrez’s technical qualities and ability to operate from the left would also fit the style of football traditionally associated with the Iberian peninsula.

However, the initial report linking the player with Deportivo La Coruna has since been challenged. Spanish football insider Juan Arrien had claimed the Galician club wanted to bring in Mahrez, but transfer specialist Matteo Moretto has denied that information.

According to Moretto, Deportivo La Coruna are instead looking to strengthen their defence and are currently searching for a central defender.

That would represent a setback for Mahrez if the Spanish club had been regarded as a possible route back into European football. At the same time, the Algerian is reportedly resisting interest from Saudi Arabia as he continues to prioritise a move to Spain.

Journalist Mohamed Al-Hamad says there are currently no official negotiations between Mahrez and Al-Shabab, despite earlier rumours linking the player with the Riyadh-based club.

Al-Shabab would reportedly be prepared to offer Mahrez an annual salary of €10m to remain in the Saudi Pro League. That figure does not appear to have persuaded the former Manchester City player, who is said to be determined to pursue an opportunity in La Liga instead.

Interest is not limited to Al-Shabab. Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq are also reported to have made an offer on similar financial terms, while United Arab Emirates side Al-Wasl are said to be interested in signing Mahrez.

Neither proposal has changed his reported preference for Spain. For now, the player remains without a club while he waits to see whether a realistic opportunity in La Liga develops.

Mahrez enjoyed a distinguished career with Manchester City and remains one of the most recognisable Algerian players of his generation. At 35, he is looking for what could be the final major move of his playing career, but his preferred destination may prove difficult to secure if Deportivo La Coruna’s immediate recruitment priorities lie elsewhere.