Riyad Mahrez may have accepted a 50% pay cut to join Qatari club Al-Shamal after leaving Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli, according to Saudi sports analyst Hani Al-Daoud, amid fresh speculation about the length of the Algerian forward’s new contract.
Al-Shamal announced on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, that they had signed the 35-year-old on a free transfer but did not disclose the financial terms or duration of the agreement.
The move brings an end to uncertainty surrounding Mahrez’s future following his departure from Al-Ahli at the conclusion of last season, although questions remain over whether his spell in Qatar will be a long-term commitment or a short-term arrangement.
Al-Daoud discussed the transfer during an appearance on Walid Al-Faraj’s television programme, where he suggested that Mahrez could be earning considerably less than he did in Saudi Arabia.
“I expect that Riyad Mahrez went to Al-Shamal of Qatar for half the value of his contract with Al-Ahli.”
The media personality also expressed doubt that the agreement would run for two years, pointing to Al-Shamal’s decision not to reveal how long the player had committed to the club.
However, Al-Daoud’s assessment remains speculation rather than confirmed information. Al-Shamal have not published Mahrez’s salary or the specific terms of his contract.
Mahrez was reportedly close to joining Al-Shabab
Saudi sports critic Gharm Al-Omari has offered a different perspective on the move, suggesting that Mahrez’s decision to join Al-Shamal could be temporary and that the winger still wants to return to the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Omari claimed that the Algerian had been close to signing for Al-Shabab before the proposed transfer collapsed.
“I expect the contract to extend until the end of the season. Riyad Mahrez wants to return to the Saudi League and was close to joining Al-Shabab. I don’t know what disrupted the deal.”
His comments suggest that a return to Saudi Arabian football had remained a possibility for Mahrez before he opted to continue his career in Qatar.
However, Al-Omari did not explain why the move to Al-Shabab failed to materialise, nor did he confirm that a final agreement had been reached between the club and the player.
The reported interest in Al-Shabab has added another dimension to the discussion surrounding Mahrez’s future, particularly as analysts continue to debate whether his new contract is intended to last only until the end of the current season.
Contract details remain undisclosed
The lack of official information from Al-Shamal has left room for differing interpretations of the agreement.
While Al-Daoud believes Mahrez’s salary could be half of what he earned at Al-Ahli and doubts that the contract will last two years, Al-Omari expects the arrangement to run until the end of the season.
Neither assessment has been confirmed by the Qatari club.
There has also been no official announcement of a clause allowing Mahrez to leave early or an agreement guaranteeing a return to the Saudi Pro League.
Until Al-Shamal disclose further details, the financial value and duration of the contract will remain uncertain.
Mahrez begins a new chapter in Qatar
Mahrez joins Al-Shamal after spending three seasons with Al-Ahli, where he helped the Saudi club win the AFC Champions League title twice, according to the supplied report.
The Algerian captain has also enjoyed considerable success in European football, winning the English Premier League with Leicester City and Manchester City before lifting the Champions League trophy with the latter.
His experience at the highest level is expected to strengthen Al-Shamal’s attacking options as the club competes in the Qatari league and the AFC Champions League.
At 35, the winger now faces a new challenge in Qatari football, with attention likely to focus on how quickly he adapts to his new surroundings and the contribution he can make to the club.
For now, the immediate priority is his new chapter with Al-Shamal. Whether the move becomes a longer stay in Qatar or precedes a return to Saudi Arabia remains unclear, as the club has yet to reveal the full details of his agreement.
