Riyad Mahrez ‘to join’ Al-Shamal on short-term deal | OneFootball

Riyad Mahrez has verbally agreed to join Al-Shamal on a short-term deal, DZFoot reports, with the former Leicester City winger currently a free agent after leaving Al-Ahli when his contract expired this summer.

He is expected to undergo a medical at the start of next week ahead of a one-year contract, which includes an option for a second year. Participation in the Asian Champions League, which he won in the last two seasons, is said to have helped convince him. Al-Shamal are described as QSL runners-up.

Al-Shamal are third in the QSL after four games, with two wins and two draws. They recently drew 1-1 with Al Ittihad in the AFC Champions League.

Mahrez moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023 for £30m, ending a nine-year spell in England. He joined Leicester in January 2014 under Nigel Pearson and made 179 appearances, playing a central role in the Premier League title triumph before a £60m switch to Manchester City.

The 35-year-old played 122 times in Saudi Arabia. He has previously described the King Power Stadium as a special place and said returning there always feels special, while reflecting on winning the league and playing in the Champions League with City.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk

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