International star Riyad Mahrez has reportedly received an offer from Abha club, which is returning to the Saudi Professional League this season, for a transfer during the current summer window. Reports indicate the Saudi club is seeking to sign Mahrez, an international star widely recognized for his exceptional skills on the wing. These reports suggest that Abha club has formally extended an offer to Mahrez, aiming to secure his services during the ongoing summer transfer window as they prepare for their return to the top flight of Saudi football. The final decision regarding Mahrez's future for the 2026-2027 football season is expected to be clarified in the coming days as the transfer window approaches its close, bringing an end to the speculation surrounding his next move.
Abha's Ambitious Offer
Abha club has emerged as the most probable destination for Riyad Mahrez, following reports that the club's management has submitted an appealing financial proposal to secure the former Manchester City and Leicester City winger. This attractive offer shows Abha's ambition for the upcoming season and their desire to strengthen their squad with high-profile talent. Negotiations are currently in their initial phases with the player's representatives, as both parties work towards a potential agreement. A transfer to Abha remains a strong prospect, particularly after Mahrez indicated his willingness to continue for another season in the Saudi League, even if it is with a team outside the traditional top four clubs. This openness to exploring options beyond the established powerhouses of the league has made Abha a viable contender for his signature. While Abha appears to be a frontrunner, several potential European destinations have also been discussed for the player. These include Italian clubs Como and Atalanta, alongside French club Le Havre, where Mahrez commenced his professional career, adding another layer of complexity to his decision-making process.
Mahrez's Al-Ahli Stint
Riyad Mahrez moved to Al-Ahli Saudi Club in July 2023, joining the team from English club Manchester City. His arrival was met with considerable anticipation, and he quickly established himself as a key player. During his tenure at Al-Ahli, Mahrez participated in 122 matches across all competitions, making significant contributions to the club's performance and showcasing his prolific attacking abilities. He scored 37 goals and provided an impressive 46 assists, directly influencing numerous victories and demonstrating his creative prowess on the field. Mahrez was instrumental in securing three titles for Al-Ahli during his time there. These included two Elite Asian Champions League victories in consecutive years, 2025 and 2026, alongside the Saudi Super Cup in 2025, marking a highly successful period for the Algerian international in the Saudi Pro League. His impact was undeniable, helping to elevate Al-Ahli's status both domestically and on the continental stage.
Future Uncertainty Looms
Since the termination of his contract with Al-Ahli Saudi Club last July, a year before its scheduled expiry, the captain of the Algerian national team, Riyad Mahrez, has not yet determined his next professional destination. The end of his stint with Al-Ahli Saudi Club and the termination of their contract last July, a year before his contract expired, has left the talented winger without a club. Mahrez departed Al-Ahli after a successful period but has since been without a club for the current season, leading to considerable speculation about his future.
A possibility exists that the former captain of the 'Desert Warriors' may remain without a team during the initial half of the season. This scenario would see him biding his time as he carefully considers his options. In this situation, his future would likely be decided during the winter transfer window, which opens in January 2027, allowing him to potentially join a new club at that time and resume his professional career. This period of uncertainty notes the complex nature of high-profile football transfers and the various factors at play for a player of Mahrez's caliber.