Former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez is reportedly close to completing a move to Qatari first division side Al Shamal SC, according to various reports.
Mahrez has been a free agent since his contract with Al Ahli expired at the end of last season. The 35-year-old left the Saudi Pro League club in the summer and has spent the past few months without a club.
Move to Qatar
Mahrez departed City in the summer of 2023 to join Al Ahli in a deal worth up to £30 million. Reports now suggest he is expected to join Al Shamal, a club competing in Qatar's top flight.
It remains unclear when Mahrez will officially sign for Al Shamal or the length of the contract he will agree, with the winger expected to commit to a long-term deal.
Teammates with former Arsenal star
If the transfer goes through, Mahrez would become teammates with former Arsenal defender Pablo Mari, who left the Gunners in the summer of 2023 and joined Al Shamal this summer.
During his five-year spell at the Etihad Stadium, Mahrez scored 78 goals in 236 appearances for City and helped the club win 10 major trophies, including three Premier League titles and one Champions League trophy.
City's uncertain future
Since leaving City, Mahrez scored 37 times in 122 appearances for Al Ahli. He now looks set for a new challenge three years after his departure from Manchester.
Meanwhile, Manchester City face an uncertain future after an independent commission found the club guilty of 114 of the 115 financial breach charges brought by the Premier League. City confirmed this week they have officially submitted an appeal against the verdict.
