Abdulaziz Al-Malek, president of Saudi club Al-Shabab, clarified the truth behind the signing of Algerian Riyad Mahrez.
Riyad Mahrez
Club: Free agent
The "Asharq Al-Awsat" newspaper had previously revealed that Al-Shabab had reached an agreement with the Algerian international to sign him on a free transfer.
The Al-Shabab president said in a press statement: "Riyad Mahrez is a major gain for Saudi football and for Al-Shabab Club, and God willing, we will see what happens in the next 48 hours."
Mahrez has been a free agent since his contract with Al-Ahli Jeddah ended this summer.
The report added that both parties have finalized the contract and personal details.
It was clarified that Al-Shabab Club is awaiting the green light from the Financial Monitoring Committee of the Saudi Pro League to sign the Algerian captain.
Al-Shabab appears to have outbid Al-Ittihad, who also wanted to sign the player after his three years with Al-Ahli Jeddah.
A few days ago, the same newspaper reported that current negotiations are based on Mahrez receiving an annual salary of approximately $10 million, equivalent to about 37.5 million Saudi riyals.
Mahrez spent three years wearing the Al-Ahli Jeddah shirt, leaving a significant mark on the team and contributing to their consecutive wins of the AFC Champions League Elite title twice.
Mahrez played 122 matches for Al-Ahli Jeddah, scoring 37 goals and providing 46 assists across all competitions.
Al-Shabab currently sits in 13th place in the Saudi Pro League standings with 3 points from 5 rounds.
