# Riyad Mahrez transfer to Al-Shamal SC > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/riyad-mahrez-transfer-to-al-shamal-sc > Updated: 2026-10-17T22:30:22.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 4. Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez has officially joined the Qatari club Al-Shamal SC following his departure from Al-Ahli Saudi FC. Al-Ahli opted not to trigger an optional fourth year in his contract, citing a need for different contributions. Mahrez, 35, expressed gratitude to Al-Ahli supporters on social media, stating he was “proud to have worn these colors”. His tenure in Saudi Arabia included 37 goals and 46 assists in 122 official matches, alongside winning the Saudi Super Cup in 2025 and two consecutive AFC Champions League Elite titles in 2025 and 2026. The move to Al-Shamal SC, completed on a free transfer, reunites him with former national teammate Baghdad Bounedjah and bolsters the club for its first appearance in the AFC Champions League Elite. Mahrez will wear his preferred number 26 jersey. Reports indicate a one-season contract with an option for a one-year extension, potentially including a clause allowing Mahrez to depart as early as January. Notably, Mahrez’s new club is scheduled to face his former club, Al-Ahli Saudi FC, on November 23 during the AFC Champions League group stage. Mahrez recently made his competitive debut for Al-Shamal SC, appearing as a substitute in the 64th minute during a 0-0 draw against Lusail in the sixth round of the Qatari championship. This marked his return to professional play after an absence of more than three months following the World Cup. Regarding his reintegration, Mahrez stated, “The objective is not to rush my return or my playing time; it must be done progressively, step by step.” ## Claims - Al-Shamal Club has officially signed Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Riyad Mahrez is 35 years old. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Al-Shamal has officially signed Riyad Mahrez. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Mahrez will reunite with former Algerian national teammate Baghdad Bounedjah at Al-Shamal. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Mahrez won the AFC Champions League Elite title twice with Al-Ahli in 2025 and 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Mahrez's contract with Al-Shamal reportedly runs until the end of the season. (single source) - Mahrez joined Al-Ahli from Manchester City in 2023. (single source) - During his time at Al-Ahli, Mahrez played 122 official matches, scoring 37 goals and providing 46 assists. (single source) - Mahrez signed his contract after passing required medical examinations. (single source) - Mahrez joined Al-Shamal on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with Al-Ahli. (single source) - During his time with Al-Ahli, Mahrez played 122 matches, scoring 37 goals and providing 50 assists. (single source) - Mahrez has won the English Premier League five times. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-17: Riyad Mahrez makes competitive debut for Al-Shamal SC Riyad Mahrez made his competitive debut for Al-Shamal SC in a 0-0 draw against Lusail, marking his return to football after a three-month absence. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/riyad-mahrez-makes-competitive-debut-for-al-shamal-sc ### 2026-10-14: Riyad Mahrez joins Qatar's Al Shamal on free transfer Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez has joined Qatari club Al Shamal SC on a free transfer following his departure from Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/riyad-mahrez-joins-al-shamal-in-qatar ### 2026-10-05: Riyad Mahrez to join Al Shamal SC after leaving Al Ahli Riyad Mahrez is joining Qatari club Al Shamal SC after leaving Al Ahli Saudi FC. He will reunite with Baghdad Bounedjah and face his former club in the AFC Champions League this November. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/riyad-mahrez-to-join-al-shamal-sc-after-leaving-al-ahli ### 2026-10-03: Riyad Mahrez agrees to join Qatari club Al-Shamal SC Algerian footballer Riyad Mahrez has verbally agreed to join Qatari club Al-Shamal SC on a one-year contract with an extension option, following his departure from Al-Ahli. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/riyad-mahrez-agrees-to-join-al-shamal-sc-in-qatar --- Cite as: Riyad Mahrez transfer to Al-Shamal SC. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/riyad-mahrez-transfer-to-al-shamal-sc