Riyad Mahrez has become a free agent after his departure from Al-Ahli Saudi, marking a significant development in the international football transfer market. The Algerian winger's availability has immediately sparked considerable interest from clubs across multiple regions. Emirati club Al-Jazira (الجزيرة الإماراتي) is reportedly leading the race to secure the services of the highly sought-after attacking player, indicating a strong push from the UAE Pro League. Concurrently, Saudi Arabia's ambitious NEOM (نيوم) project also seeks to strengthen its squad with Mahrez, reflecting the growing investment in football talent within the Kingdom. In Europe, specifically Italy, two prominent clubs, Roma (روما) and Como (كومو), have shown actual interest in the player, presenting him with potential opportunities in one of Europe's top leagues. Reports from various sources indicate Mahrez's personal desire to experience Serie A football, suggesting a leaning towards a move to Italy if suitable terms can be agreed upon.
Al-Ahli Saudi Departure Details
Al-Ahli Saudi officially announced the departure of Riyad Mahrez, confirming the end of his tenure with the Saudi Professional League club. The Algerian winger initially joined the Saudi club in 2023, arriving as a high-profile signing intended to bolster their squad. Despite his transfer to the team occurring just last year, reports from the club stated Mahrez spent three successful seasons with Al-Ahli Saudi, a discrepancy that has been noted by observers. He was transferred to Al-Ahli Saudi for a substantial fee of 35 million Euros, noting the club's initial investment in his talent. Upon his arrival at the club, Mahrez's market value was estimated at 20 million Euros, a figure that has since seen a notable decrease, dropping to 5 million Euros at the time of his departure. This change in market value is a key factor as he now considers his next career move as a free agent.
Mahrez's Impact and Statistics
During his impactful time with Al-Ahli Saudi, Riyad Mahrez played a total of 122 matches for the club across all competitions, demonstrating his consistent presence and contribution on the field. His offensive prowess was evident as he directly contributed to 87 goals for the club, a tally encompassing both his scoring and assisting efforts, showcasing his full influence in the attacking third. In the prestigious AFC Champions League Elite, Mahrez featured prominently, participating in 24 matches. During these high-stakes continental appearances, he proved to be a key player, scoring 13 goals and providing 10 assists, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier performer in key competitions. Beyond individual statistics, Mahrez also played a leadership role in Al-Ahli Saudi's success, guiding the team to secure three major titles during his tenure. These significant achievements included consecutive victories in the AFC Champions League Elite for the 2025 and 2026 editions, showing his instrumental role in continental glory. Additionally, he was a key part of the squad that clinched the Saudi Super Cup in its 2025 edition, adding another domestic honour to his list of accomplishments with the club.
Future Club Prospects
As the football world speculates on his next destination, Riyad Mahrez is currently maintaining his rigorous training regimen alone during his summer break. The Algerian winger has been actively sharing videos and photos of his intense workouts on various social media platforms, providing fans and potential suitors with glimpses into his dedication. These posts consistently show Mahrez maintaining peak physical condition, a clear indication of his commitment to being fully prepared for his next challenge. His proactive approach to fitness shows his professional attitude as he carefully considers his next career move following his departure from Al-Ahli Saudi. The decision will undoubtedly weigh his personal aspirations, including the reported desire for Serie A football, against the lucrative and ambitious offers emerging from the UAE and Saudi Arabia.