Riyad Mahrez is close to joining Al-Shamal after receiving help from former Algeria team-mate Rais M’Bolhi, who is reported to have handled part of the transfer process.
The move for the former Algeria captain is nearing completion, with Mahrez, 35, travelling to Qatar on Monday to finalise the agreement, according to Competition. He has been without a club for three months.
Mahrez could sign a one-season contract with Al-Shamal, including an option to extend it. If completed, the transfer would see the winger continue his career in Qatar after three years with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli.
Al-Ahli terminated Mahrez’s contract by mutual consent at the beginning of July. His time at the club ended with two Asian Champions League triumphs, in 2025 and 2026, the first two victories in that competition in Al-Ahli’s history.
M’Bolhi, who won 96 caps for Algeria, is said by Winwin to have managed the details of the transfer, although no further information was provided about his role.
The goalkeeper and Mahrez have remained on good terms after working together with the national team from 2014 until 2024. Their international partnership included Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations victory in 2019.
Their time together with the national side ended after the disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign in 2023, which marked the conclusion of M’Bolhi’s Algeria career.
M’Bolhi’s playing career ended in late February after two unsuccessful spells with CR Belouizdad and ES Mostaganem. Winwin reports that the former Stade Rennais goalkeeper is now preparing to begin a coaching career.
Mahrez announced his international retirement to his former Algeria team-mates on 3 July, following the team’s 2-0 defeat by Switzerland in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. He finished his international career with 119 caps and 40 goals.
A move to Al-Shamal would also reunite Mahrez with another former Algeria colleague, Baghdad Bounedjah.
The transfer would represent a new stage in Mahrez’s career after his departure from Al-Ahli, where he concluded his spell with major continental honours. It would also keep him playing in the Gulf region following his time in Saudi Arabia.