Saudi media reports revealed today, Tuesday, that there is a rivalry between Al-Shabab and Al-Ittihad over signing Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez, the former Al-Ahli player.
The 35-year-old has not yet decided on his next destination, after Al-Ahli club management decided not to retain the Algerian winger for the new season.
The Algerian international has been linked with several clubs, both European and Arab, for a transfer this summer, but Mahrez is expected to decide his future in the coming days.
According to the Saudi newspaper "Asharq Al-Awsat," negotiations are currently underway between the management of Al-Shabab and Al-Ittihad to sign Riyad Mahrez, following a previous three-year stint with Al-Ahli.
The negotiations are currently centered on Mahrez's annual salary, estimated at around $10 million, while the two clubs continue to work towards reaching a financial agreement.
The newspaper clarified that the management of Al-Shabab and Al-Ittihad are pressing to obtain support from the Attraction Program to complete the deal, but the efforts are being hindered by the fact that each club has already received funds under the program, which is delaying the completion of the transfer.
The Algerian international winger managed to win two titles with Saudi Al-Ahli in the last two editions of the AFC Champions League Elite, in addition to winning the Saudi Super Cup.
According to the global website "Transfermarkt," Mahrez made 122 appearances for Saudi Al-Ahli, scoring 37 goals and providing 50 assists in all competitions, both domestic and continental.
