English Premier League
Riyad Mahrez’s move to Al Shabab held up by Yannick Carrasco transfer
Riyad Mahrez’s proposed move to Al Shabab has been delayed by the club’s failure to complete Yannick Carrasco’s departure, despite reports that the Algerian winger has already agreed personal terms with the Saudi Arabian side.
Mahrez, who recently ended his spell with Al Ahli, had been expected to join Al Shabab after reports indicated that the two parties had reached an agreement over all the details of his new contract. The transfer appeared close to completion, but the official announcement has been postponed because of developments involving the club’s foreign-player list.
According to the programme “Nadeena”, the immediate obstacle is Carrasco’s continued presence in the Al Shabab squad. The Belgian is the subject of negotiations between Al Shabab and Al-Ittihad, with the two clubs working towards an agreement that would take him to “The Brigadier”.
The proposed transfer of Carrasco to Al-Ittihad is considered the key step needed to free up space for Al Shabab to complete Mahrez’s registration for the new season. Until the Belgian’s move is finalised, the club cannot formally add the former Al Ahli player to its squad.
Mahrez’s future is therefore directly tied to the outcome of Carrasco’s situation, even though there is understood to be no unresolved issue between the Algeria international and Al Shabab. The agreement between Mahrez and the club is reportedly in place, with the remaining delay linked to squad registration rather than wages, personal terms or the structure of the contract.
Al Shabab are seeking to strengthen their attacking options and view Mahrez as a major signing because of his experience and ability to influence matches. His arrival would give the club another creative and technically gifted player as it prepares for the new campaign.
The club is now waiting for progress in discussions with Al-Ittihad over Carrasco. If those negotiations result in the Belgian completing his transfer to “The Brigadier”, the final barrier to Mahrez’s move should be removed.
The situation could become clearer in the coming hours as the two Saudi clubs continue talks. The current sequence is straightforward: Carrasco must leave Al Shabab before the club can announce Mahrez’s arrival and register him officially.
Mahrez’s potential transfer has attracted significant attention because of his status and career at the highest level. However, despite the apparent agreement already reached with Al Shabab, the move remains incomplete until the foreign-player issue is resolved and Carrasco’s destination is confirmed.
The outcome of the negotiations between Al Shabab and Al-Ittihad will determine whether Mahrez can join the club during the remainder of the transfer window. Until then, the Algerian winger’s expected move remains on hold.
