Riyad Mahrez has exited Al-Ahli after a mutual contract termination, with the Saudi Pro League side now pursuing Liverpool's Mohamed Salah as his replacement.
What happened?
Al-Ahli have begun making inquiries into the feasibility of a deal for Salah, with the Egyptian icon consistently linked to a Middle East move.
The contract termination cost Al-Ahli approximately €14.5 million, making Mahrez a free agent.
Why it matters for Riyad Mahrez
Mahrez's exit has left a vacuum in the squad, requiring a replacement of equal or greater standing in the global game, with Salah viewed as the ideal successor.
Al-Ahli have also been monitoring Borussia Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi, but Salah remains the ultimate priority.
What comes next?
Negotiations for Salah are in the preliminary phases, with no official agreement reached between the clubs or the player's representatives, as of July 2026.
Salah has been focused on his national team duties, recently resuming training after a minor injury concern, ahead of Egypt's match against Australia on Friday.
The Saudi Pro League is bracing itself for another massive transfer saga, with Al-Ahli's pursuit of Salah carrying significant weight, given his status as a cultural and commercial phenomenon.
Salah's potential move to Al-Ahli would be a major coup for the Saudi side, as they look to rebuild their offensive line and compete in the upcoming campaign.
The transfer window is in full swing, and Al-Ahli's hierarchy is keen to secure Salah's services, given his consistent productivity and success in European football.
As the situation develops, Al-Ahli fans will be eager to see if their side can pull off the high-profile signing, and how Mahrez's exit will impact the team's performance in the coming season.