Riyad Mahrez linked with move to Brazilian club after Asian triumph
Al-Ahli winger Riyad Mahrez is reportedly set to leave the Saudi Pro League for a move to a Brazilian club this summer, according to widespread reports emerging from the Middle East. The news follows the Algerian international's pivotal role in Al-Ahli's 1-0 victory over Japan's Machida Zelvia in the AFC Champions League final on April 25th, where his assist for Firas Al-Buraikan's 96th-minute winner secured the trophy for the Jeddah-based side. While neither club has confirmed the transfer, the move is framed as a pursuit for Mahrez to win a continental title on a third different continent.
The potential transfer marks a significant career shift for the 35-year-old, who joined Al-Ahli from Manchester City in the summer of 2023. During his time in Saudi Arabia, Mahrez has added an Asian Champions League title to his extensive collection of domestic honors, which includes Premier League titles with both Leicester City and Manchester City, as well as an African Cup of Nations with Algeria. His reported desire to compete in South America underscores a late-career ambition that is rare for players of his profile.
For Al-Ahli, the departure of a star of Mahrez's caliber would represent a notable shift in strategy. The club, which also features former European-based players like Edouard Mendy, Franck Kessie, and Enzo Millot, has been a flagship project within the Saudi Pro League's ambitious recruitment drive. Losing a marquee name could signal a move towards a different model, potentially focusing on younger talent as exemplified by the recent signing of Millot from Stuttgart.
The context of the Brazilian league adds an intriguing layer to the rumor. While specific clubs have not been named, the move would offer Mahrez a chance to compete in the Copa Libertadores, the prestigious South American equivalent of the UEFA Champions League. Achieving success there would place him in an exclusive group of players to have won major continental trophies across multiple federations.
From a financial perspective, a transfer to Brazil would almost certainly involve a significant reduction in salary for Mahrez, suggesting sporting motivations are paramount. For a Brazilian club, securing a player of his experience and technical quality, even in the latter stages of his career, would be a major coup, likely aimed at providing leadership and creativity in high-stakes matches.
The timing of the rumor, immediately following Al-Ahli's continental triumph, indicates that discussions may have been progressing behind the scenes. Mahrez's performance in the final, where he was a constant threat before delivering the decisive assist, served as a potent reminder of his enduring class. His potential exit would leave a considerable creative void in the Al-Ahli attack that the club's management would need to address in the upcoming transfer window.
