The horrible future that awaits Riyad Mahrez

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16/08/26 17:00:00

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Riyad Mahrez begins a very different stage after closing his cycle at Al-Ahli and fully entering the Transfer Market as a free agent. At 35 years old, the Algerian winger no longer requires any club to pay a transfer fee, but his future is far from simple due to an obvious issue: the salary he was earning in Saudi Arabia.

The former Manchester City and Leicester player had one of the highest contracts in world football, with an estimated wage of €52.2 million gross per season. This figure makes any negotiation a exercise in realism because no European team seems willing to come close to those numbers for a player who is approaching the end of his career.

Riyad Mahrez and the challenging adjustment after leaving Al-Ahli

The farewell of Riyad Mahrez comes after three seasons at Al-Ahli, where he left significant numbers and had a clear impact on the Saudi project. During his time in Jeddah, he played over a hundred games, scored goals, provided assists, and maintained his status as a star, but the club has decided to turn a new page amid a sporting restructuring.

The attacker now finds himself in an attractive position on paper. He arrives without a transfer fee, has experience at the highest level, and possesses a distinctive left foot to decide matches in a few meters. However, the major issue is not about convincing from a sporting perspective, but about accepting a substantial financial cut to return to competing in Europe.

Saudi Arabia leaves a complicated legacy in the Transfer Market

The time in Saudi Arabia has left many veteran players facing a similar dilemma. The contracts are so high that, upon leaving, any European offer seems small. In the case of Riyad Mahrez, the gap between what he was earning and what clubs in France, Turkey, or even lower-ranked continental leagues can offer is vast.

There have been hints of a return to France, a logical move considering his past and the media impact he still holds. However, very few Ligue 1 teams could afford a high salary, even without a transfer fee. For this option to progress, the Algerian would need to prioritize the sporting project over securing one last big contract.

France is on the horizon, but money will dictate the path

The name of Riyad Mahrez always stirs attention. His legacy in the Premier League remains vivid, especially due to the historic title with Leicester and his successful spell at Manchester City. His recent decision to retire from the Algerian national team also allows him to focus solely on club football.

The question is how much physical and competitive longevity he can still offer. At 35 years old, his talent is unquestionable, but clubs examine pace, demands, salary, and contract duration before making a move. A short agreement, with variables and targets, seems to be the most reasonable format for any interested party.

The Transfer Market moves swiftly, and renowned free agents often wait for the right moment. Riyad Mahrez has a reputation, a track record, and complete freedom to choose, but also a burdensome wage expectation. After leaving Al-Ahli, the winger must decide whether to accept a significant pay cut to return to Europe or seek another destination that can match the financial level he enjoyed in Saudi Arabia.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El horrible futuro que le espera a Ryad Mahrez