Riyad Mahrez could move closer to leaving Al-Ahli Saudi FC after reports revealed the existence of a contract clause that may allow an early separation between the player and the club.
The Algerian international, regarded as one of Al-Ahli’s leading players since arriving in 2023, has recently been linked with a possible exit during the upcoming summer transfer window.
According to reports published by the Saudi newspaper Al-Youm, Mahrez’s contract contains a special clause permitting either party to terminate the agreement during a specific period between 1 June and 30 June 2026 in exchange for a payment of 15 million US dollars.
The report added that terminating the contract outside that window would involve a significantly higher financial cost. In such a scenario, the side choosing to end the agreement would reportedly be required to pay the remaining contract value, estimated at 40 million dollars.
Mahrez joined Al-Ahli in the summer of 2023 after leaving Manchester City FC and signed a four-year contract with the Saudi club.
His current deal is scheduled to expire at the end of next season, but the newly revealed clause has increased speculation over whether the player could depart earlier than expected.
Interest from abroad grows
The reports surrounding the clause have emerged at a time when Mahrez is already being linked with interest from clubs outside Saudi Arabia.
Among the teams reportedly monitoring the situation is Fenerbahçe SK, which has been mentioned as one of the clubs interested in securing the services of the Algerian winger.
Although no official negotiations or transfer agreement have been announced, the reported contractual detail could potentially make a move more achievable should interest intensify during the transfer window.
Mahrez has played an influential role since his arrival at Al-Ahli and quickly established himself as one of the team’s key figures.
Over the past three seasons, he has been central to several of the club’s major achievements, including helping the side win the AFC Champions League title twice as well as the Saudi Super Cup.
His experience at the highest level of European football, combined with his technical quality and leadership, has made him one of the standout names in Saudi football since his move from Manchester City.
Future remains uncertain
The latest reports are likely to fuel further discussion regarding Mahrez’s long-term future at Al-Ahli, particularly with growing interest from clubs abroad and the existence of a clause that may allow a relatively less expensive exit during a limited period.
For Al-Ahli, the possible departure of one of their most recognisable stars would represent a significant development, especially given the player’s importance to the squad in recent seasons.
At present, neither Mahrez nor Al-Ahli have publicly commented on the reported clause or on speculation linking the Algeria international with a transfer away from the club.
However, with the summer transfer window approaching and overseas interest continuing to surface, uncertainty surrounding Mahrez’s future is expected to remain a major topic in the coming weeks.
