Doha, Qatar: Riyad Mahrez has arrived in Doha as Al Shamal close in on the signing of the experienced Algeria international, with the 35-year-old set to join the Qatar Stars League club on a free transfer.
Mahrez arrived in Doha yesterday and is scheduled to undergo his medical at Aspetar today before signing a contract that will keep him at Al Shamal until the end of the season.
The move comes as Al Shamal look to build on their runners-up finish last season and push for a maiden league title. The club are also aiming to strengthen their campaign in the AFC Champions League Elite.
The former Manchester City winger is expected to replace Morocco international Mohamed Rabie Hrimat, who suffered a cruciate ligament injury during Al Shamal’s second-round match against Al Gharafa.
Mahrez’s arrival adds considerable experience and quality to Al Shamal’s attacking options. He has won major honours in both England and Saudi Arabia and has more than a decade of experience at the highest level.
Mahrez began his professional career with Quimper in 2009 before moving to Le Havre. He rose to prominence at Leicester City, where he played a key role in the club’s remarkable Premier League title triumph in 2016.
He then spent five seasons at Manchester City, winning four Premier League titles and helping Pep Guardiola’s side secure their first Champions League crown in 2023. Mahrez made 236 appearances for City, scoring 78 goals and providing 59 assists.
In 2023, he moved to Saudi Arabia to join Al Ahli in a deal worth around $40m. During his time with the Jeddah club, he played 122 matches, scoring 37 goals and providing 50 assists, while also helping Al Ahli win the AFC Champions League Elite.
Mahrez has also played a prominent role for Algeria. He has scored 40 goals in 199 international appearances and was part of the side that won the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt in 2019. He has also represented Algeria at the 2014 and 2026 World Cups.
