English Premier League
Riyad Mahrez could make surprise return to Al Ahli amid transfer interest
Reports in Saudi Arabia say Riyad Mahrez could return to Al Ahli during the current summer transfer window, only weeks after the club unexpectedly ended his contract.
Al Ahli terminated the Algeria international’s agreement unilaterally after the conclusion of last season, despite one year remaining on the deal. Mahrez had spent three seasons with the Jeddah club following his move there.
However, Saudi journalist Abdulaziz Al-Mursel has reported that the 34-year-old could still rejoin Al Ahli as a free agent. The possibility has emerged after members of the squad reportedly expressed a desire to see the former player return.
Writing on the Nabd Tuwaiq platform, Al-Mursel said one Al Ahli player had already contacted Mahrez to establish his position. According to the journalist, the winger is open to returning, provided he receives the same salary as before.
Mahrez’s potential availability has also attracted attention from Al-Ittihad, Al Ahli’s neighbours and traditional rivals. Al-Ittihad are considering signing a new right winger to replace France international Moussa Diaby, and Mahrez is among the players being considered.
Despite that interest, Al-Mursel said Mahrez’s preference would be to return to Al Ahli if the financial terms matched those of his previous contract.
“Riyad Mahrez will be between Al-Ittihad or Al Ahli, and there is a demand from Al Ahli players for his return. He does not object to returning,” Al-Mursel said in a statement shared through the platform’s programme, Zakhm.
Mahrez joined Al Ahli after leaving Manchester City and became an important figure for the Saudi club during his three seasons there. His departure at the end of last season came as a surprise because his contract had not yet expired, with Al Ahli choosing to end the agreement before its scheduled conclusion.
A move to Al-Ittihad would see Mahrez remain in Jeddah but switch to the club’s principal local rival. The side are searching for a replacement for Diaby, giving them a possible need for a player capable of operating on the right side of attack.
There has also been reported interest from Al-Shabab. Previous reports suggested the Riyadh-based club was close to signing Mahrez on a free transfer, although Al-Shabab had not announced the deal at the time of the report.
For now, no club has confirmed an agreement with Mahrez. The player could therefore become the subject of a three-way race between Al Ahli, Al-Ittihad and Al-Shabab, with Al Ahli reportedly holding the advantage because of his former team-mates’ wish to see him return and his own preference for a reunion on the same salary.