Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah has entered the race to sign Algerian superstar Riyad Mahrez, offering the winger an opportunity to prolong his journey in the Roshn Saudi League following his summer departure from Al-Ahli.
Al-Qadsiah is keen to capitalize on Mahrez’s status as a free agent, allowing them to secure his signature without a transfer fee. While official contract negotiations are underway, specific financial terms and salary details have not yet been disclosed.
Al-Qadsiah’s Ambitious Project & Asian Champions League Debut
The Eastern Province club is preparing for an historic upcoming campaign, competing across four major competitions, including their inaugural appearance in the AFC Champions League Elite. This continental platform could prove decisive in convincing Mahrez to remain in Saudi Arabia.
Under head coach Brendan Rodgers, Al-Qadsiah concluded last season in 4th place in the Roshn Saudi League, suffering just one defeat over a 25-match span. The team scored 67 goals following Rodgers’ arrival—the highest tally among all league clubs during that period.
Mahrez would join a star-studded squad that already features:
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Nacho Fernández
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Mateo Retegui
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Julián Quiñones
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Julian Weigl
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Musab Al-Juwayr
Qatari Interest Presents Competition
Al-Qadsiah faces tough competition from the Qatar Stars League. Qatari newspaper Al-Raya reports that two Qatari clubs have made moves to sign the Algerian winger, with powerhouse Al-Sadd emerging as a primary destination.
With one of the interested Qatari clubs also participating in the upcoming AFC Champions League Elite, the decision for Mahrez will hinge on both the financial package and the long-term sporting project as he enters the final chapter of his career.
End of a Successful Three-Year Spell at Al-Ahli
Mahrez, now 35, became a free agent after Al-Ahli triggered an early termination clause in his contract, which was originally set to run through the summer of 2027. The move concludes a successful three-season stint in Jeddah.
Having joined Al-Ahli from Manchester City in the summer of 2023 for approximately €35 million, Mahrez established himself as a key figure for the club:
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Appearances: 122 matches across all competitions
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Goals & Assists: 37 goals and 46 assists (83 goal contributions)
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Trophies Won: Back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles (2025, 2026) and the Saudi Super Cup.
Legendary Premier League & International Career
Mahrez’s arrival in Saudi Arabia followed a decorated career in England. After joining Leicester City from French side Le Havre in January 2014, he helped the Foxes secure promotion to the Premier League before playing a central role in their legendary 2015–2016 Premier League title win (scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists in 37 matches). His performances earned him both the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and the 2016 African Footballer of the Year awards.
He subsequently moved to Manchester City in 2018, where he made 236 appearances, scoring 78 goals and registering 59 assists while lifting 11 major trophies, including:
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4 Premier League titles (5 total, including Leicester City)
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1 UEFA Champions League
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2 FA Cups
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3 League Cups & 1 FA Community Shield
Over his Premier League career, Mahrez compiled 82 goals and 61 assists in 284 appearances.
On the international stage, Mahrez officially announced his retirement from international football following Algeria’s 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He capped off a 12-year career with the Desert Warriors ranking second all-time in both caps and goals, featuring 119 appearances, 40 goals, and 44 assists. His crown achievement remains leading Algeria to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, highlighted by his famous stoppage-time free-kick against Nigeria in the semifinals.
